Ad providam

With the Papal bull Ad providam from May 2, 1312, Pope Clement V transferred ownership of the Knights Templar to the Knights of St. John. On March 22, 1312, the Pope had already resolved with the bull Vox in excelso the Templar Order, now it was about the whereabouts of the goods.

Finding process

First, the Pope described the powers and rights that would result from his office and that it was his task to curb the wild usury stop. Logically, he called the Knights Templar harmful thistle that it was necessary to eradicate. Then he described the long and difficult way of the discussions had been held with the cardinals, archbishops and patriarchs, bishops and prelates of the Holy Roman Church. In addition, you could also consult with highlighted monastery heads of the monasteries of nuns and male religious communities and eventually you should reach a decision.

The decision

The bull of Pope Clement V. sets among others the following resolutions for an indefinite period that:

• All the properties of a financial nature, churches and castles, towns, lands and farms are the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem transferred ( Knights Hospitaller ).
• The Order of St. John continues to receive jurisdiction, has the tax revenue and increases the rights of all movable and immovable things.
• At the Knights Hospitaller knights endure all privileges, the Knights order and the internal structure of the former Knights Templar. These include the immunities and freedoms with which the Grand Master is equipped.
• The Order of St. John is directly under the protection of the Holy See.
• The complete restoration of the official dignity and reputation against the independent state. The rank order according to need Master, his Deputy, be subordinated to the teachers and brethren, and that in all the provinces have validity.
• The Master is to account for all activities, this includes negotiations, receptions and financial management. The master is to report immediately report by the trustees of churches, monasteries, towns, castles and other facilities.
• In case of violation not only threaten the withdrawal of all rights, but in this serious misconduct may be punished with excommunication.