Article 14

That only this Declaration should be followed, without regard to any others

Having learned that some Roman Pontiffs, our Predecessors, have issued various Briefs for the clarification of the Rule and matters related to it, which has not been sufficient to suppress malicious and critical spirits who have risen against the Brothers and against their Rule; and to determine several points concerning their state, on which experience has shown on many occasions that it was necessary to take further measures.

We therefore, fearing that the said Brothers, in attempting to fulfill their duties, might be hindered by the differences that could exist between these Briefs and this present Constitution, or by the opposing interpretations that could be given; and in order also to provide for the preservation of their state and the observance of the said Rule in a manner more extensive, clearer, and more precise.

We decree that this present Constitution alone shall be observed by the Brothers exactly, inviolably, and in perpetuity, in all and every Article it contains, without regard to whether they are contained in whole or in part in the other Apostolic Letters to which we have referred.