Fra desperasjon til nåde - en undersøkelse av appeller til det Apostoliske Pønitentiari som et middel for å unngå den spanske inkvisisjonen mellom 1495-1503

Abstract

This thesis investigates a specific aspect of the relationship between the Spanish Inquisition and the Apostolic Penitentiary, through an examination of previously unexplored copies of original supplications sent from Spain to the Penitentiary between 1495 and 1503. These supplications were submitted by individuals involved with the Inquisition, seeking forgiveness from the Penitentiary. Previous research on both the Spanish Inquisition and the Apostolic Penitentiary has never fully explored this aspect before using material from the Penitentiary archives. The aim of this research is to investigate whether the dispensations given after such appeals, could be used as a means to avoid the Spanish Inquisition. Through a thematic analysis of the supplications based on their origin, their chronology, their supplicants and the content, this study ultimately seeks to evaluate the efficiency of such appeals. In addition, the study also wishes to highlight the importance of the Penitentiary archives as a valuable source for future research related to the inquisition. The analysis of the supplications has revealed several conclusions. On one hand, the material shows multiple examples in which individuals involved with the Spanish Inquisition have successfully obtained absolution or overturns of inquisitional decisions or accusations, with a dispensation given by the Penitentiary. This was achieved despite conflicting canons in canon law or instructions of the Inquisition. At the same time, a distinction emerges between the theoretical potential of petitions to the Penitentiary as a means of avoiding the Inquisition, and their actual efficiency. In conclusion, obtaining a dispensation from the Penitentiary alone, did not always guarantee avoidance of the Inquisition.