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Summary. The provincial synod is
to suspend from the collation of benefices those who after two admonitions
confer benefices on unworthy persons. The removal of this suspension the pope
reserves to himself or to the patriarch of the one suspended.
Text. It is a very
inconsistent and grave matter that some bishops, when they can promote suitable
men to ecclesiastical benefices, do not fear to choose unworthy ones, who lack
integrity of morals and sufficient knowledge, following the carnal and
inordinate affections for their kindred rather than the judgment of reason. The
great detriment that thus accrues to the churches no one of sound mind is
ignorant of. Wishing, therefore, to cure this disease, we command that unworthy
persons be rejected and suitable ones, who will and can render to God and the
churches an acceptable service, be chosen; and let a careful investigation in
regard to this matter be made in the annual provincial synod. Anyone who has
been found culpable after the first and second admonition, let him be suspended
by the synod from conferring benefices, and in the same synod let a prudent and
upright person be appointed who may take the place of the one suspended. The
same is to be observed in regard to the chapters that prove delinquent in this
matter. An offense of this kind on the part of a metropolitan must be made
known by the synod to a higher superior. That this salutary provision may be
more effectively observed, such a sentence of suspension may by no means e removed
except by the authority of the Roman pontiff or by the patriarch of the one
suspended, that in this matter also the four patriarchal sees may be specially
honored.
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