and draw up the process, which they shall straightway transmit to the Roman Pontiff; the definitive sentence being reserved to the said most holy [Pontiff]. The other things elsewhere decreed hereupon, under Julius III., of happy memory, as also the constitution [published] in a genem council under Innocent III., which begins, Qualiter et quando, which the holy synod renews in this present decree, shall be observed by all.
But the lesser criminal causes of bishops shall be taken cognizance of and decided in the provincial council only, or by persons to be deputed thereunto by the provincial council
CHAPTER VI.
Power is given to the Bishops touching Dispensations in Cases of Irregularity and Suspension, and Absolution from Crimes.
It shall be lawful for the bishop to dispense in all manner of irregularities and suspensions, arising from a secret crime, except that which arises from wilful homicide, and those crimes which have already been carried before a judicial[1] tribunal; and [it shall be lawful for them], in their own diocese, either of themselves, or by a vicar to be deputed especially for that purpose, to absolve gratuitously, as far as the court of conscience is concerned,[2] having imposed a salutary penance, all delinquents soever their subjects, in all secret cases soever, even though reserved for the Apostolic See. The same also, as regards the crime of heresy, shall be permitted in the said court of conscience, but to them only, and not to their vicars.
CHAPTER VII.
To the end that the faithful people may approach to the receiving of the sacraments with greater reverence and devotion of mind, the holy synod enjoins on all bishops, that, not only when they shall themselves be about to administer them to the people, they shall first explain, in a
