LA Catholics React To Pope's Streamlining of Annulment Process

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An announcement by Pope Francis on Tuesday that he intends to streamline the annulment process for Roman Catholics has pleased some Angelenos who believe it could help keep people involved in the church when previously they would have been turned away.

Pope Francis' reforms are intended to simplify the process of getting an annulment by eliminating a second review by a cleric and by allowing bishops to fast-track annulments in special circumstances, such as when there is spousal abuse.

The proposal also stipulates that annulments should take no more than 45 days to complete, and that the process should be done for free, except for a nominal administrative fee.

The idea is to lighten the burden on couples that are splitting. Many have described the church's annulment process as a "nightmare" that can cost many thousands of dollars.

Father Dario Miranda of Maywood said he's pleased by the changes, since Catholics who remarry without an annulment are viewed by the church as adulterers and cannot get communion in the church – something that turns many Catholics away from the faith.

"We want to bring people to salvation," Miranda said. "We want to bring them closer to God."