Property matters are not included. It seems the canon specifically talks about office and religious matters being put before a civil court.

I don't see that in the Canon anywhere.  Could you please explain?  To me it just says you cannot take them before civil courts period.

Perhaps there's a commentary on the Code of Canon Law that says it only applies to bishops who actively hold (at least titular) sees, but +Lefebvre had already resigned his regular see (Tulle) and his Titular one before this.  To me it would seem that the mind of the Church has to do with the fact that only the Church can judge Church leaders, and that it would apply to all bishops in good standing.

Whether or not they technically violated Canon Law to the point of excommunication, they certainly violated the spirit of the law and the behavior was inappropriate.

I don't see that in the Canon anywhere.  Could you please explain?  To me it just says you cannot take them before civil courts period.

Perhaps there's a commentary on the Code of Canon Law that says it only applies to bishops who actively hold (at least titular) sees, but +Lefebvre had already resigned his regular see (Tulle) and his Titular one before this.  To me it would seem that the mind of the Church has to do with the fact that only the Church can judge Church leaders, and that it would apply to all bishops in good standing.

Whether or not they technically violated Canon Law to the point of excommunication, they certainly violated the spirit of the law and the behavior was inappropriate.

I'm referring to "ob negotia ad eorum munus pertinentia"      "for matters pertaining to their duties"