The Collaboration between the Bishop and the Chapter in the Age of Elections

Abstract

After many studies, already conducted on the dynamics of the collaboration between the bishop and his priests in the classical age of canon law, these pages only intend to offer a synthesis, as a starting point for further investigation, and focus on the role of the chapter from the 11th to the 14th century. The cathedral chapter emerges as a ‘senate’ of the bishop and plays a central role in diocesan organisation, intervening in pastoral and administrative matters during the vacancy of the episcopal see. This body, with its own legal personality, represents the diocesan Church and participates in the selection of the bishop through a system of capitular election.