Page:On papal conclaves (IA a549801700cartuoft).djvu/189

 Rh Popes to swear the observance of certain ancient Constitutions, there is nothing to distinguish between the binding force of these oaths, and those which Popes are not only universally held to be able to absolve themselves from, but from which, in regard to the particular points under discussion, they have actually on several occasions dispensed themselves.

It is a received custom for Popes to swear the observance of certain Bulls and Constitutions—amongst which is one having special reference to the preservation free from waste of the endowments of the Church,—but these oaths are taken of their own free will, and in the exercise of their absolute powers, and by no means as indispensably conditional to their legitimate acquisition of full Pontifical authority. Soon after election the Pope holds habitually a Consistory, but there is no fixed period within which it must meet. Its convocation depends on his pleasure, and generally happens not more than two months after accession. On this occasion the new Pope has been in the habit to record his solemn adherence to divers regulations and instructions that have emanated from various predecessors, amongst