The Statutes of the Cathedral Chapter of Vilnius Before the Partition of Poland

Abstract

After being canonically erected in 1388, the Cathedral Chapter of Vilnius did not have any recognized privileges or land grants. It subsisted exclusively off of the bishop of Vilnius’ bona mensae, and it followed the Cathedral Chapter of Cracow’s example with regard to its organization, internal structure, activities, and relationship with the diocesan bishop. Having certain privileges and revenue at its disposal in the 15th century, the canonical corporation of Vilnius began to seek greater legitimacy. It was not until 1515, however, that Bishop Wojciech Radziwiłł ordered that the Chapter write up its rights and duties in the form of statutes and that the Holy See approve them. Pope Leo X subsequently approved the Cathedral Chapter of Vilnius’ statutes through his legate Bishop Zacharias Ferreri on November 29, 1520. The papal confirmation gave the Cathedral Chapter of Vilnius strong legal standing that no one, with the exception of the Holy See, could violate or change. The statutes strengthened the Chapter’s position in relation to the diocesan bishop, which turned out to be both in accordance with the spirit of the times and, with time, affirmed by the Council of Trent (1545-1563).