year: 1139
initiator: Pope Innocent II
recipient: Knights Templar
institution: Templars
text: Mar. 29. Lateran. In the letter Omne datum optimum Pope Innocent II praises the Knights Templar, who are constituted by the Church as defenders. He grants them and Robertus magister religiose militie Templi a general privilege. He extends papal protection to them, confirming their possessions and their professed life, laying down that their master must always be a brother knight elected by their chapter. He exempts them from the payment of tithes on the fruits of their own labour or on produce destined for their own use. He permits them to have their own priests and clerics and to discipline them. The Templars may make use of any Latin bishop for consecrations and ordinations if the local diocesan is unwilling. They can construct oratories and cemeteries in deserted places. They can bury their own dead in times of interdict and their alms-collectors are exempt from interdicts. Benefactors enjoy indulgences.
Mar. 29. Lateran. In the letter Omne datum optimum Pope Innocent II praises the Knights Templar, who are constituted by the Church as defenders. He grants them and Robertus magister religiose militie Templi a general privilege. He extends papal protection to them, confirming their possessions and... more
sources: Hiestand, PTJ 1:204-10; 2:96-103; and see 2:67-95