Benedictus Deus (Pius IV)

Benedictus Deus is a papal bull written by Pius IV in 1564 which ratified all decrees and definitions of the Council of Trent. It maintains that the decrees of the Council of Trent can be interpreted solely by the Papal office itself; and enjoins strict obedience upon all Catholics, forbidding, under pain of excommunication, all unauthorized interpretation. This was seen by Church contemporaries of Pius IV as an attempt to strengthen the influence of the Papacy against the rise of Conciliarism exemplified by the Council of Trent itself.

Signature date26 January 1564

SubjectRatification of the decisions of the Council of Trent

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Benedictus Deus Latin for 'Blessed God' Papal bull of Pope Pius IV
Signature date	26 January 1564
Subject	Ratification of the decisions of the Council of Trent
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There is a more minor bull of the same title written by Benedict XII in 1336.