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Summary. Clerics should not
contribute to the needs of cities and other localities, even where the
resources of the lay people do not suffice, without first consulting the Roman
pontiff. Laws by those excommunicated are null. Rulers remain excommunicated
after the expiration of their term of office till they have made satisfaction.
Text. Against magistrates and
rulers of cities and others who strive to oppress churches and ecclesiastical
persons with taxes and other exactions, the Lateran Council, [III Lat, canon 9]
desiring to protect ecclesiastical immunity, prohibited actions of this kind
under penalty of anathema, commanding that transgressors and their abetters
punished with excommunication until they make suitable satisfaction. But, if
the bishop with his clergy should perceive such necessity or utility and
without compulsion decide that the aid of the churches ought to be enlisted to
meet the needs where the resources of the lay people do not suffice, let the
aforesaid lay people accept such assistance humbly, devoutly, and with
gratitude. However, on account of the boldness of some, let them first consult
the Roman pontiff, to whom it belongs to attend to common needs. But, if even
this does not allay the malice of some toward the Church of God, we add that
the laws and enactments which have been promulgated by excommunicated persons
in this matter or by their orders, be considered null and void and at no time
whatever
be regarded as valid. But, since
fraud and deception ought not to protect anyone, let no one be deceived by the
illusion that, although a ruler may incur anathema during the period of his
incumbency, yet on the expiration of his term of office there will be no
compulsion to make due satisfaction. For both he who refuses to make
satisfaction and his successor, if they do not make satisfaction within a
month, we decree that they remain bound by ecclesiastical censure until they
have made suitable satisfaction, since he assumes the burden who is successor
in the honor.
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