Pietas Romana et Parisiensis, or, A faithful relation of the several sorts of charitable and pious works eminent in the cities of Rome and Paris the one taken out of the book written by Theodorus Amydenus ; the other out of that by Mr. Carr.

CHAP. V. Of the Congregations of Cardinals consult∣ing about Ecclesiastical Affairs and matters of Religion.

THE Pope being in a double capacity; As the common Father or Pastor of the whole Catholick Church: And as a Prince of that Dominion and Territory, which is im∣mediately subject unto the Church: and not being able to do every thing by himself which belongs to the administration of either charge, hath many Assistants in both functions, espe∣cially the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, whose help and counsel he makes use of in di∣vers qualities.

In the first and principal place, by calling together, as it were, a Senate of those Fathers, which is termed a Consistory; wherein the Pope layeth open those affairs which are of most weight and importance concerning the State both of the universal Church, and also of his particular Dominion, asking these Fa∣thers their several Opinions thereupon, and then deliberating what is fit to be done.

And because this Consistory cannot well be assembled weekly: and there intervenes many times such businesses as require quicker dispatch; Therefore there is erected for such matters a certain particular Congregation of Conscript Fathers, who may meet together oftner, and certify the Pope of what is therein done and decreed; for those Decrees receive their Exe∣cution only from him.

Other businesses which dayly occur, and re∣quire not a compleat Senate, are committed to several Congregations of Cardinals; in∣teressed, some in the Ecclesiastical Discipline and whole State of Christian Religion; and some in the civil administration of his tempo∣ral Dominion.

The several Congregations, set over matters of Religion, are seven.

The First is the Congregation of the Holy Inquisition into Heretical pravity. In this Con∣gregation are examined and sifted all persons opposing the Catholick Faith, and those that are found to offend therein punished. The Fathers of this Congregation meet every Wed∣nesday;

and on Thursday the next day give an account before the Pope of all the Acts and Deeds done among them in that Congrega∣tion.

The Second Congregation, for matters in Rel gion, is that of the most illustrious Fa∣thers, who are chosen Interpreters of the Holy Council of Trent; to whom is committed the interpretation of the Sanctions of that Council for the manner of putting them in execution. Into this Congregation are chosen those Fa∣thers who are the most learned of all, and the Secretary to it is always reputed one of great knowledge.

The Third Congregation for Religion is that to which is committed the care of Eccle∣siastical Rites and Ceremonies; who are to correct all offences against them, and to oppose all Superstition, or whatever exteriour kind of worship that hath not been admitted into the Catholick Church.

The Fourth Congregation of Religion is set over the affairs of Bishops and Regulars. Between whom since many difficulties do arise dayly; and it is not expedient that they should be determined by any solemn judicial Act: This Congregation hath power to end or com∣pose such difficulties yet without any form of Judicature.

The Fifth Congregation for Religion takes care of those Books, which are dayly set forth in print, to revise them; and such as they find impious against Faith or good Manners, to re∣ject,

and forbid all Catholicks the reading of them: and to insert the names of them into the Catalogue of prohibited Books, whence the Congregation is stiled The Congrega∣tion of the Index or Catalogue.

The sixth Congregation for Religion is that called The Congregation of Propagating the Faith, of late erected by Gregory the fifteenth. The principal intent whereof is to reduce all Hereticks and Schismaticks to sound Doctrine, and a right understanding. This Congregation is held twice every month; and once before the Pope himself.

The seventh Congregation of Religion, which hath its name from the Ecclesiastical immunities, was instituted by Pope Ʋrban the eighth. Before these are brought all contests about Jurisdiction, between the Officers of Kings and Princes, and Bishops, or other Ec∣clesiastical persons; and their chief care is to preserve the Ecclesiastical Liberties free from all temporal burthens and encroachments.