Papal Bull Of 1484

The Papal Bull of 1484, was a document issued by Pope Innocent VIII that authorized the persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft. The diction used in two specific quotes in this text reflect the superstitious and dramatic view the church had on witches. “Many persons of both sexes, … have abandoned themselves to devils, incubi and succubi, and by their incantations, spells, conjurations, and other accursed charms and crafts, enormities and horrid offences, have slain infants yet in the mother's womb...have blasted the produce of the earth…as well as animals of other kinds… These wretches furthermore afflict and torment men and women…as well as animals of other kinds, with terrible and piteous pains and sore diseases, both internal and

The quote "if I can obtain absolution for my sins, I will freely lay bare all I know about witchcraft, for I see that I have death to expect" reveals the superstition, fear, and cruelty of the church in the 15th century with regard to the persecution of those accused of witchcraft. The quote highlights the extreme fear and anxiety felt by individuals accused of witchcraft, who believed that their lives were in imminent danger. This fear was often exploited by the church to extract confessions, even from innocent individuals. The quote also demonstrates the church's belief that witchcraft was a serious sin, and that obtaining absolution was essential to avoid damnation. Furthermore, the church's cruel treatment of those accused of witchcraft is revealed in the quote, as the husband is willing to betray his wife/others and lay bare all he knows about witchcraft, in order to save himself from certain death and damnation.This reveals how the fear of persecution and the desire for absolution led many individuals to falsely accuse others of witchcraft and to betray their friends and neighbors in order to save their own