Cum primum (Clement XIII.)
Cum primum is an encyclical from Pope Clement XIII. With this apostolic circular of September 7th, 1759 he exhorts the bishops and priests to observe the canonical rights and duties and to defend themselves against economic influence and corruption .
Responsibilities
First, the Pope described the dangers that scandals and corruption would pose to the Church . He then pointed out that his predecessors had passed laws and rights that had to be obeyed. He urged the clergy to obey the existing canonical laws, statutes and diocesan instructions.
The Holy See is available to clarify questions and define inconsistencies, but not the lay class. In his continuation he leads in particular those of his predecessors Pius IV. , Clemens IX. and Benedict XIV . The laws, penalties and sanctions laid down there, writes the Pope, are still valid and can also be used against abuse and criminal machinations.
admonition
In the exhortation he demanded integrity , ecclesiastical discipline and respect for ordinary and delegated law. He also urged the clergy to be vigilant towards the wrongdoers . He also warned against incorrect interpretations and interpretations of canon law.
Financial affairs and corruption
He forbade the clergy to cooperate in the credit system and the mediation of financial transactions, he called on the superiors to initiate proceedings against the violation of this rule. For borrowing or lending money, the Pope demanded that it be essential to obtain authorization. However, he did not rule out business deals if they were done according to Church law. He warned against greed , bribery and corruption, including lay people and secular workers in these rules of conduct.
See also
- Encyclical A quo of September 13, 1758
