Summis desiderantes affectibus

Innocent VIII

Summis desiderantes affectibus
Created	5 December 1484
Author(s)	Pope Innocent VIII
Purpose	Authorization of the persecution of witches

Summis desiderantes affectibus is a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent VIII on 5 December 1484. The bull addressed the issue of witchcraft and heresy in Germany, and it granted authority to the Dominican Order to prosecute and punish individuals accused of witchcraft.

Background

During the late 15th century, there was a growing concern about the presence and influence of witches in Europe. This period saw an increase in accusations of witchcraft, which were often linked to heresy and demonology. The Catholic Church sought to address these concerns through various means, including the issuance of papal bulls.

Content

The bull Summis desiderantes affectibus was issued in response to a request from two inquisitors, Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger, who were facing resistance in their efforts to prosecute witches in Germany. The bull explicitly supported their work and granted them the authority to proceed with their investigations and trials.

The document condemned the practice of witchcraft and heresy, describing it as a grave threat to the Christian faith. It authorized the inquisitors to use all necessary means to identify, prosecute, and punish those accused of witchcraft. This included the use of torture to extract confessions and the imposition of severe penalties, such as execution.

Impact

Summis desiderantes affectibus had a significant impact on the witch hunts that followed in Europe. It provided a legal and religious justification for the persecution of witches, leading to widespread trials and executions. The bull also influenced the publication of the Malleus Maleficarum, a treatise on witchcraft written by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger, which became a key text in the prosecution of witches.

The bull's authorization of harsh measures against accused witches contributed to the intensity and brutality of the witch hunts, which continued for several centuries. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people, mostly women, were executed as a result of these persecutions.

Legacy

Summis desiderantes affectibus is often cited as a pivotal document in the history of the witch hunts. It exemplifies the Catholic Church's stance on witchcraft during the late medieval period and highlights the role of religious authority in the persecution of alleged witches. The bull remains a significant historical document, reflecting the fears and beliefs of the time.

See also

• Witchcraft
• Malleus Maleficarum
• Heinrich Kramer
• Jacob Sprenger
• Pope Innocent VIII
• Inquisition
• Demonology