Pope Francis hailed by Hong Kong Catholics for move to make annulment of marriage easier

Hong Kong Catholics have welcome a move by Pope Francis to make it easier for members of the church to secure an annulment of their marriage – a move hailed as the most radical reform of its kind in 250 years.

Securing an annulment used to take years and required hefty legal fees, but Francis has ruled that the procedure should be free and, in certain cases, marriages will be declared null and void within 45 days. He also told bishops to be more welcoming towards divorcees.

The city had about 379,000 Catholic residents as of last year, according to the diocese.

Reverend Thomas Law Kwok-fai, chairman of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Liturgy Commission, said the pope’s decision was “very good indeed”.

“It brings the church closer to the reality of many people,” he said. “I appreciate it very much. The reality is many people are waiting for a decision, so if the church can make that decision much faster it will be good for everyone.”

The announcement came a week after Francis signalled a more merciful approach to women who had obtained abortions and was seen as another sign of his drive to shake up the hidebound Roman Catholic Church and try to soften some of its more rigid rules.

Law said Francis was giving a clear message ahead of next year, which has been identified as the church’s Year of Mercy.