CHAPTER XVI.
The holy synod ordains, that those secular ecclesiastical benefices, by what name soever they may be called, which, by their earliest institution, or in any other way soever, have the cure of souls, shall not henceforth be converted into a simple benefice, even though a suitable portion be assigned to a perpetual vicar; any graces soever which have not obtained their full effect notwithstanding. But, as regards those [benefices] in which, contrary to the institution or foundation thereof, the cure of souls has been transferred to a perpetual vicar, even though they be found [to have been] in this state from time immemorial, if a suitable portion of the fruits have not been assigned to the vicar of the church, by what name soever he may be designated, the same shall be assigned as soon as possible, and within a year at the latest from the end of the present council, at the discretion of the ordinary; according to the form of the decree made under Paul III., of happy memory. But if this cannot conveniently be done, or if it be not done within the said termm, as soon as, whether by the resignation or decease of the vicar, or rector, or in what way soever either of the above shall be vacant,[1] the benefice shall again receive the cure of souls; and the name of the vicarage cease, and it shall be restored to its ancient state.
CHAPTER XVII.
The holy synod cannot but grievously lament hearing that certain bishops, forgetful of their own estate, do in no light manner disgrace the pontifical dignity; comporting themselves, both in church and out of it, with an unseemly kind of servility, towards the ministers of kings, nobles, and
