Principia quae Codicis Iuris Canonici recognitionem dirigant

The article comments on the ten principles that were approved by the Synod of Bishops in 1967 in order to guide the work of various commissions during the process of revising the code of canon law. The principles embodied some crucial ideas of the Second Vatican Council and it is true to say that they made a bridge to connect the Council (1963-1965) and the new Code of Canon Law (1983). Among the key elements of the ten Principles are the human and Christian dignity of the faithful, the participation of all the faithful in the mission of the Church, and the duties and the rights in the church. The article is completed by a summary text of the Principles.