Causa VIII

GRATIAN. A certain bishop, acting at the point of death, appointed a successor for himself by testament; afterward, through the patronage of his friends, he is elected to that episcopate; after the election he furnished an oath to the canons for the indemnity of the church; he is accused of simony, as though he had furnished a gift from service; before the time of sentence he is deserted by his clerics; without letters from the apostolic pontiff the bishop returns to his own church. (Qu. I.) Here it is asked first whether a bishop is permitted to appoint a successor for himself. (Qu. II.) Second, whether the patronage of friends ought to prevail in an election. (Qu. III.) Third, whether one who furnishes an oath of this kind to the canons after election is to be held a simoniac. (Qu. IV.) Fourth, whether clerics are permitted to withdraw from their bishop before the time of sentence. (Qu. V.) Fifth, whether without letters from the apostolic pontiff he ought to return to his own church.