In nomine Domini

The Papal Election Decree of April 13, 1059 was proclaimed on Easter synod in the Lateran by the Papal Bull " In nomine Domini ". Pope Nicholas II regulated in the election of future popes.

With this bull the right to vote was first transmitted to the cardinal bishops, cardinal priests and the lower-ranking cardinal deacons should subsequently agree. The Emperor and his successors were granted the right of confirmation. With this in such a way as to be designated conciliar document the choice of anti-popes contrary should be controlled. Therefore, the excommunication is also, in case of violation, threatened.

The basis for the adoption

The decree was issued, there was an anti-pope within the Church with Benedict X. by ​​the schism. He had after the old custom, as is required in the canons obtained the papacy. However, had the Roman nobles who wanted to have him on the chair of Peter, apparently not save on money to ensure that he received the laudatio despite the rejection by the cardinal bishops by clergy and people. For this reason, Benedict X was accused of simony. The papal election decree was therefore adopted in the future to prevent simony.

The formal and material structure of the Decree

The decree is a Synodalakte. It is largely formally constructed on the model of a modern law firm Pope certificate. Its components are the input protocol, context and eschatocol. The input protocol is Date and Location on the Synod on the present and the chairmanship of the Pope Nicholas information. In eschatocol the signatures of the Pope, the members of the Roman Church, the Archbishops and Bishops are in this order. The context is through the words of the input protocol: " pontifex ( sc Nicholas) ... inquit " initiated and are in direct speech again what Nicholas has pointed out to those present. The context is divided into three parts: the pre-history ( narratio ), the actual provisions ( dispositional ) and the penalties for violation of these provisions ( Poenformel, comminatio ).

The narratio contains the justification that the decree shall be adopted: with him precaution should be taken that not again similar procedures after the death of Stephen IX. . enter The dispositio deals with the process of the election and the powers of the elected before his enthronement.

Rules on the choice

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