22.1 Upon written request to the local ordinary or competent major religious superior, clerics may petition for a leave of absence from their clerical functions and duties.

22.2 Upon receiving the permission of the local ordinary or the competent major religious superior to enter into a leave of absence, all clerical faculties are suspended, and no such cleric licitly functions publicly in a clerical role, such as stated in Canon 12.25

22.3 A cleric shall be granted a six-month leave of absence, with the option of an additional six months. A serious review of the cleric’s status with the local ordinary or competent major religious superior must be taken prior to the extension of the leave of absence beyond one year.