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39. The State, as being the origin and source of all rights, is endowed with a certain right not circumscribed by any limits. Allocution Maxima quidem, June 9th, 1862.

40. The teaching of the Catholic Church is hostile to the well-being and interests of society. Encyclical Qui pluribus, Nov. 9th, 1846.

41. The Civil Government, even when in the hands of an infidel sovereign, has a right to an indirect negative power over religious affairs. It therefore possesses not only the right called that of exequatur, but also that of appeal, called appellatio ab abusu. Apostolic Letter, Ad Apostolicæ, August 22nd, 1851.

42. In the case of conflicting laws enacted by the two powers, the civil law prevails.

43. The Secular power has authority to rescind, declare, and render null, solemn Conventions, commonly called Concordats, entered into with the Apostolic See, regarding the use of rights appertaining to ecclesiastical immunity, without the consent of the Apostolic See, and even in spite of its protest. Allocution Multis gravibusque, Dec. 17th, 1860, etc.

44. The Civil Authority may interfere in matters relating to religion, morality, and Spiritual Government: hence, it can pass judgment on the instructions issued for the guidance of consciences, conformably with their mission, by the pastors of the Church. Further, it has the right to make enactments regarding the administra-