The fir d Bislwp of America. 229 



proA'isions for all churches which were then vacant or which 

 from that time forward should become vacant, declaring thence- 

 forth null and void all attemj^ts made to the contrary, no matter 

 l)y whom or by what authority, whether designedly or not. 

 Afterwards, however, the church of S.Maria del Antiqua became 

 vacant, which we to-day, counselled by our venerable brothers 

 and in the plenitude of our apostolic power, have erected in that 

 newd}^ discovered land of primeval India, liberated from pagan 

 tyranny under the auspices of our beloved son in Christ, Ferdi- 

 nand, illustrious king of Aragon and both Sicilys. We then, to 

 provide quickly and happily for the same church, concerning 

 which none but us could or can provide on account of our reser- 

 vation and decree to the contrary, with paternal and solicitous 

 care, carefully deliberated Avith our venerable brothers regarding 

 the choice of a useful and zealous person to place over the same 

 church, lest it be subjected to the ravages of a long vacancy ; and 

 finally Ave directed our mind's eye to you, a priest and professed 

 member of the order of Friars Minor, knoAvn as observants ; you, 

 of Avhose zeal for religion, literary requirements, purity of life, 

 regularity of morals, providence in spiritual and circumspection 

 in temporal affairs, and many other A^rtuous gifts, suitable testi- 

 mony has been given ; all Avhich things having been duly con- 

 sidered by the counselof the same brothers, Ave, Avith the afore- 

 said authority, make proAdsion for that church in your person, 

 you who for your merits have proved acceptible to them and 

 to us, and Ave apjjoint you its bishop and pastor, committing 

 entirely to you its care and the administration of its spiritual 

 and temporal matters ; and confiding in the giver of mercies we 

 hope that, God directing your actions, that church, under your 

 AAdse and happy government, may with the help of God's grace 

 be usefully and j)rosperously ruled and receive a gratifying in- 

 crease in temporal and spiritual affairs. Receive, then, with 

 alacrity the yoke of the Lord Avhich Ave place on your shoulders ; 

 strive to care for and administer that church Avith such fidelity, 

 solicitude and prudence that it may rejoice in being commit- 

 ted to so proAddent and profitable an administration, and that 

 you, besides a rcAvard in eternity, may merit henceforth more 

 abundant blessings and grace from us and the apostolic see. 



Given at Rome, at St. Peter's, in the year of the incarnation of 

 our Lord one thousand five hundred and thirteen, the fifth day 

 before the ides of September, the first year of our pontificate. 



