Paul stated that while preserving the custom (observed for many centuries with canonical norms) of practicing penitence also through abstinence from meat and fasting, the Church intends to ratify other forms of penitence as well, and left it to the episcopal conferences to replace the observance of fast and abstinence with exercises of prayer and works of charity where appropriate.
Paul noted that while preserving the custom (long-standing practice within canonical norms) of practicing repentance through meat abstinence and fasting, the Church plans to endorse additional forms of penance as well, leaving it to the bishops' conferences to replace fasts and abstinences with prayerful exercises and charitable deeds when necessary.