Dictatus Papae: Papal Principles

DICTATUS PAPAE: PAPAL PRINCIPLES compiled by Hildebrand (A.D. 1075) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (1) The Roman Church was founded by God alone. (2) The Roman Pontiff alone can with right be called "Universal". (3) He alone can depose or reinstate bishops. (4) In council, his Legate, even if a lower grade, is above all bishops and can pass sentence of deposition against them. (5) The Pope may depose the absent. (6) Among other things, we ought not to remain in the same house with those excommunicated by him. (7) For him alone is it lawful, according to the needs of the time, to make new laws, to assemble together new congregations, to make an abbey of a canonry, and, on the other hand, to divide a rich bishopric and unite the poor ones. (8) He alone may use the Imperial Insignia. (9) All princes shall kiss the feet of the Pope alone. (10) His name alone shall be spoken in the churches. (11) This is the only name in the world. (12) It may be permitted to him to depose emperors. (13) It may be permitted to him to transfer bishops, if need be. (14) He has the power to ordain the clerk of any parish he wishes. (15) He who is ordained by the Pope may preside over another church, but may not hold a subordinate position. Such a person may not receive a higher clerical grade from any other bishop. (16) No synod shall be called a 'General Synod' without his order. (17) No chapter and no book shall be considered canonical without his authority. (18) A sentence passed by him may be retracted by no one. He alone may retract it. (19) He himself may be judged by no one. (20) No one shall dare to condemn any person who appeals to the Apostolic Chair. (21) The more important cases of every church should be referred to the Apostolic See. (22) The Roman Church has never erred. Nor will it err, to all eternity-Scripture being witness. (23) The Roman Pontiff, if he has been canonically ordained, is undoubtedly made a saint by the merits of St. Peter, St. Ennodius Bishop of Pavia bearing witness, and many holy fathers agreeing with him. As it is contained in the decrees of Pope St. Symmachus. (24) By his command and consent, it may be lawful for subordinates to bring accusations. • • • (25) He may depose and reinstate bishops without assembling a Synod. (26) He who is not at peace with the Roman Church shall not be considered 'catholic'. (27) He may absolve subjects from their fealty to wicked men.