The confession and the indulgences

Font Size

VIII Century – The confession

This practice was introduced in 758 by the eastern prelates, and officially established by the 12^th Council of Lateran in 1215, with the aim of discovering the secrets of the faithful and exert power of blackmail, in order to subtract profits and social and political favors…

XI Century - The indulgences

Yet another invention was needed to habilitate Rome and take profit from the fears and vices of its subjects. This was supplied by the doctrine of the indulgences. Complete remission of the sins, present and future ones, and release from all the pains and penalties which they carry… this was promised for those who enrolled in the wars of the pontiff to expand his temporal domination, chastise his enemies and exterminate those who dared to refuse spiritual supremacy for him. People were also taught that, by paying money for the church, it was possible to be rid from the sin and equally release the souls of the deceased friends who were condemned to the tormenting flames. Through these means, Rome overfilled the trunks and sustained the magnificence, the luxury and the vices of the pretense representative of Christ”.

Whoever spreads this message will be gifted with heavenly blessings.