Regnans in Excelsis

Regnans in Excelsis (Latin: Mr. Schend in height) is a Papal Bull of Pope Pius V. with it on February 25, 1570 (other sources point to 25 April 1570), the English Queen Elizabeth I excommunicated.

Accusation of heresy

In the opening words of the Pope spoke of the duty of obedience, he demanded that the rulers, who are called by God's goodness, would make this obedience. He threw Elizabeth I pretend to have turned against the doctrine. So it had acted wickedly and undisciplined.

In the text he accuses her that she forbid the true religion and have loaded the death of the former King Henry VIII blame. In addition, he named Mary of Scotland than the right Queen of England.

Against Queen Elizabeth he made ​​serious allegations, they have with obscure men fulfilled the conditions of heresy, by failing to deny the doctrine of the Catholic faith, and invoked against rules for fasting and celibacy. Instead, they have the rites and rules of Calvin introduced and sworn in the clergy and preachers in these institutions. You have dared to eject bishops, rectors and sell Catholic priest and thus made ​​himself guilty of heresy.

Excommunication

The Pope, as he explains, now sees himself as supreme pastor forced to take the most severe sanctions against Elizabeth. Thus she was excommunicated and expelled from the Roman Catholic Church. Moreover, told Pius V that he will deprive it of the royal dignity, so as to remain connected all noble privileges and dignities.

Eidentbindung

Allen nobles, subjects and servants, who had taken an oath to the Queen, the Pope absolved from their oath of allegiance. He ordered all the people back in the coming " lap " of the Catholic Church, and threatened those who would not follow this call, also the excommunication on.