On the Extinction of the Order of the Templars

§. 13.

This blameworthy and detestable life and faith of the Templars The Knights Templar, a wealthy and powerful Catholic military order during the Crusades. was first made public by two men held in a prison in Paris. One of these was the Prior of Montfaucon original: "Montisfalconis"; historically identified as Esquieu de Floyran, who sought to profit from his accusations. near Toulouse, who had been sentenced to life in prison by the Grand Master of the Order for certain notable excesses. The other was Noffo, a Florentine by birth, who had been joined with the man from Montfaucon in the same prison for some unknown crime. These two, partly to avenge the insult they had suffered and partly to regain their former freedom, hatched a plan to reveal what they believed would be most pleasing to Philip the Fair King Philip IV of France (reigned 1285–1314), who was deeply in debt to the Templars and sought to seize their wealth., King of France: namely, the most grave corruption of the Order in both faith and morals. After certain royal ministers were summoned, they suggested to them all the accusations they had previously devised to bring the Order of Templars into disgrace. This accusation from the two scoundrels original: "nebulonum"; a term of strong contempt for the informers. was most welcome to the King. Consequently, he released them from prison, but in turn, he handed over certain members of the Templars to be held in custody. See Jean de Bussieres in History of France, page 228; Antoninus [of Florence], Part 3 of the Histories, folio 111; Bruet, Annals for the year 1118 The text likely contains a chronological error here; the suppression of the Templars began in 1307, though the Order was founded in 1118..

§. 14.

To ensure that the reports published by the man from Montfaucon and Noffo were confirmed by the Templars' own confessions, those brought for examination are said to have confessed to many crimes, whether out of fear of torture original: "cruciatuum"; the author acknowledges that confessions were extracted under extreme physical duress. or because the charges were true. Following this, the King reported everything to Pope Clement V, earnestly requesting that he strive to abolish and destroy the Order of the Templars, which was liable for so many and such great crimes. See Antoninus, Part 3 of the Histories, folio 111; Bussieres in History of France, page 229. The Pope, having been provided with more complete information, sent out bulls Official papal edicts, named after the "bulla" (lead seal) attached to them. not only to France but throughout the whole Christian world, in which he commanded the individual Archbishops and Bishops of the Church...