It was given formal legal status in 1917 with the promulgation of the new Code of Canon Law (Canon 329, n. 2). With few exceptions, bishops are recommended by the bishops of a province.

1917年颁布《教会法典》，其中第329条第2款，使教宗在委任主教时享有唯一权力的做法获得了合法地位。

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But Peters said priests have been empowered to forgive the sin, which most often applies to women who have an abortion, since 1983, when the code of canon law was revised.

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Under the Catholic Church's governing code, Canon Law, the only conditions for the validity of such a resignation are that it be made freely and be properly published.

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