Article 11

In what manner the Friars Minor must use things according to their Rule

On what we have said, there has arisen among the Friars a rather troubling question, namely whether, by the profession they have made of observing the Rule, they are obliged to a poor and restricted use of the necessities of life.

Some of them believe and maintain that, just as by their vow they renounce ownership of things in a very strict manner, so likewise they are obliged to use them with all possible restraint and poverty. Others, on the contrary, argue that by their Profession they are not at all bound to poor usages which are not specified in the Rule; although they must, like other Christians—and even more so because of the propriety of their state—use the things of life with moderation.

Now We, wishing to bring peace to the consciences of the said Friars and to put an end to such disputes, declare and say that the Friars Minor are particularly obliged, by the Profession of their Rule, to the poor and restricted usages that are set forth therein; and that this obligation is such as the Rule itself indicates.

But to go so far as to assert, as it is said that some have done, that it is heresy to maintain that the poor use is or is not contained in the vow of Evangelical poverty, We judge that this is rash and presumptuous.