Controversy Concerning Male Impotence

In neither the Code of 1917 nor that of 1983 is a definition of the word impotentia to be found. Canon 1068, of the 1917 Code states quite simply. Impotentia antecedens et perpetua, sive ex parte viri sive ex parte mulieris, sive alteri cognita sive non, sive absoluta sive relative, matrimonium ipso naturae iure dirimit. The text of canon 1084, of the 1983 Code is quite similar, through there are some significat differences: Impotentia antecedens et perpetua, sive ex parte viri sive ex parte mulieris, sive alteri cognita sive non, sive absoluta sive relative, matrimonium ipso naturae iure dirimit. The text of canon 1084, 1 of the 1983 Code is quite similar, through there are some significant differences: Impotentia coeundi antecedens et perpetua, sive ex parte viri sive ex parte mulieris, sive absoluta natura sive relative, matrimonium ex ipsia eius dirimit. In spite of the absence of a definition, it is clear that what is spoken of in both Codes is the incapacita to perform the act of sexual intercorse. However even with that there are certain questions which need to be answered. In what does the act of sexual intercourse consist? What are its essential elements? What exactly does incapacity for such an act involve? Down through the centuries, to help answers these questions, the authorities of the Church have made various interventions in this area, and have explained whether or not, in certain concrete circumstances, the impediment of impotence is present.