Letter 1: The synodal decree of Pope Symmachus.

The synodal decree of Pope Symmachus. 1. The suggestion of Fulgentius, archdeacon of the Roman church, regarding the synod convened at the command of Pope Symmachus. 2. The formal question of Symmachus: that episcopal ambition be cut off at the root. The sentence of the synod: If anyone is convicted of canvassing in any way for the Roman pontificate during the lifetime of the pope, he shall be deprived of both his office and communion. If the election of a new pontiff becomes necessary, only those bishops and clergy who are present in the city of Rome shall have the right to choose the successor, and no one shall attempt to secure the pontificate through promises, gifts, or any form of political influence. Whatever is done contrary to this decree shall be null and void, and those who violate it shall be subject to canonical penalties. [Note: This document is a decree of Pope Symmachus, not Pope Anastasius II. It has been placed in this collection in error.]

seu ^ ^^^- Deoretum synodale s. Symmaohi papae. S. !• Bvggestio Fnlgentii archidiaooni ecclesiae Bomanae de congregata Sjmodo ex praecepto papae SynunachL H. Interloeatio Symmachi, ut epiecopalis ambitns radicitns ampntetor. gententia Sjmodi, nt si qnis papa snperstite pro Bomano pontificatn cniqnam qnolibet modo favorem praestare convincitnr, loci sni ordine vel commnnione privetnr. Ut li papa morte praeventns non potnerit ante de sni successoris electione de- •emere, i« ordinetnr antistes, quem cnnctns dems ant certe pars major elegerit Ut li qnis ambientes vel fautores ambientinm conjnratoresqne prodiderit, non ▼ocaretar ibioue custodia quadam retinorctur; deinde post Bj^nodum anni 502 iMmn inde duapsum Romamque reversuni vcre episcopum scnisinaticum egisse. ^ Ita anonymus Blanch., et apprime coiisentit Symraachi epist. 8 ei ap- peud. ep. 6. XPItTOLAB BOMAN. PONTIF. I. 41