Folia Theologica 15. (2004)
Szabolcs Anzelm Szuromi: Rules concerning bishops in the Decretales Pseudo-Isidorianae, especially the regulation on the death of bishops
RULES CONCERNING BISHOPS 155 has the obligation to take care of his worthy burial, and to administer the goods of deceased bishop based on his will. But the Metropolitan is also the person responsible to lead the diocese temporarily and to administer its wealth, and moreover, he has to prudently prepare for the occupation of the vacant see. The metropolitan has to make sure, that the heirs inherit only the personal property of the deceased bishop, or such other wealth which was previously approved by the clergy of the diocese,46 as said in Canon 3 of the Concilium Valentinianum. But he has to look to the worthy livelihood of the deceased bishop's parents. The college of priests of the diocese elects a procurator to manage the business of the diocese. This elected person has to be confirmed by the metropolitan. The procurator stay in his office during the vacancy of the see. His basic duty is the administration of goods and the provision of the payment of the clergy. Regarding the episcopal funeral the Council of Toledo VII establishes that the corpse of deceased bishop must be buried after the Holy Mass, which is offered for the salvation of his soul. The clergy of the diocese are to pray psalms for the deceased bishop for a whole day. Conclusion To sum up, we can say, that behind the false canons of the Pseudo-Isidorian Collection, we certainly can find the intention to approve the episcopal power, which is independent from the secular authority. Regarding the contemporary funeral discipline, this qui, hoc tantum adiicimus, ut si quis sacerdotum secundum statuta Valletani concilii ad humanda decedentis episcopi membra venire communitus pigra voluntate distulerit, appellantibus clericis obeuntis episcopi apud synodum, sive apud metropolitanum episcopum, anni unius tempore nec faciendi missam, nec communicandi habeat omnino licentiam. Presbytères autem sive ceteri clerici quibus maior honoris locus apud eamdem ecclesiam fuerit cuius sacerdos obierit, si omni sollicitudine pro exequiis aut iam mortui aut continuo antistitis morituri ad commonendum episcopum tardi inveniantur, aut per quamcumque molestiam animi id negligere comprobentur, totius anni spatio ad poenitentiam in monasteriis deputentur. HINSCHIUS 349. 46 Cf. Concilium Valentinum (533) c. 3.
