A collection of papal letters and canons of councils, published in Gaul by an unknown person, Isidore Mercator, or Peccator, about the middle of the 9th century. The first part contains 60 letters attributed to early popes; 58 of them are forged. The second part is made up of canons of Councils and the third gives letters of Roman pontiffs, 30 of which are forgeries. The Decretals were for a long time received as genuine. In the 17th century they were clearly proved false by Blondel and more completely in the 18th century by the brothers Ballerini. The object of the writer was not to increase the power of the popes, but rather the authority and independence of bishops against civilrulers. The authority of the Roman pontiffs was long recognized before the 9th century and is established by facts and arguments independent of this collection of Isidore.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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