Article 15

On the force, authority, and publication of this Bull

As it is therefore evident that the aforementioned matters and others which we have examined with great reflection, that the Rule of the Friars Minor is holy and perfect; that it is permitted, possible, and in no way dangerous to observe it: by the fullness of Apostolic power, We approve, confirm, and intend to render unshakable forever said Rule, and all that we have above established, determined, granted, regulated, ordered, declared, and supplied; and we strictly command by virtue of obedience that this Constitution be read in the Schools like other constitutions or decretals.

Furthermore; because there might be people who, under the pretext of doing only a permitted thing by reading it, explaining it, and glossing it, would spread the venom of their malice against the Rule and the Friars, and would distort the true meaning of this Constitution by diverse and contrary explanations according to their ideas; which would be capable of misleading the minds of many devout persons, and of turning many away from entering the Religious life.

We feel obliged to take precautions against the malignity of such slanderers, and to remove from them every opportunity to harm, by prescribing the manner in which this Constitution must be read.

Therefore, We strictly command under penalty of excommunication and deprivation of Office and Benefice, that when it is read, it be explained faithfully and literally, as it has been given. Let those who read or explain it introduce no comparisons or oppositions to other matters, nor different or contrary opinions; and let it not be glossed, except perhaps to explain more clearly, and grammatically according to the literal sense, or to make the meaning or construction of certain words better understood; and let him who reads it take care not to alter its sense in any Article, nor divert it to give any meaning other than that contained in the Letter.

Now, so that the holy Apostolic See is no longer obliged to act against such detractors; We strictly forbid all and each, of whatever dignity, status, or condition they may be, from teaching, writing, deciding, or saying anything evil, either publicly or privately, against the Rule of the Friars Minor, against their state, or against what we have above established, determined, granted, regulated, ordered, declared, supplied, approved, and simultaneously confirmed.

But if anyone should find obscure or doubtful passages, let him report them to the supreme Tribunal of the holy Apostolic See, so that by virtue of Apostolic authority it may make known its intentions; because it alone has the power to make regulations on such matters, and to clarify those already made.

As for persons who put glosses in writing on this Constitution, if they are not as we have stated; moreover, Doctors and Lecturers who deliberately alter the meaning when teaching publicly; those also who make commentaries, writings, and books, and who deliberately determine anything in the Schools, or preach against the aforementioned Articles, or against one or more of the matters contained therein: let them all know that they will be bound by the Sentence of excommunication, which We now pronounce against them, and from which they cannot be absolved except by the Sovereign Pontiff;

And this notwithstanding all Privileges, Indults, or Apostolic Letters granted to certain persons, dignities, orders, and Regular or Secular places, whatever they may be: not wishing that any Privilege may serve anyone in this matter.

Furthermore, We wish that knowledge be given to the holy Apostolic See, both of those against whom We have pronounced the Sentence of excommunication, and of all others, if any are found to contravene what We have said, or even some Articles, so that the Apostolic authority may repress by the severity of the penalty those whom one cannot restrain in their duty by just and reasonable means.

Let no one, therefore, take the liberty to violate the content of our present Declaration, Ordinance, Grant, Regulation, Supplement, Approval, Confirmation, Constitution; or to oppose it by a rash undertaking: and if anyone dares to do so; let him know that he will incur the indignation of Almighty God and His Blessed Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

Given at Suriano, on the fourteenth of August, in the year of our Lord 1279, and the second of our Pontificate.