"Exigit Contumacium" Papal Bull

Exigit Contumacium Papal Bull

This is a fascinating document originating from the early phase of the Italian Wars (1494–1559), a series of struggles between the Habsburg and Valois dynasties and their allies that mainly took place on the Italian Peninsula. However, there were other theaters of this epic struggle, including the western Pyrenees Mountains, home of the Kingdom of Navarre. It was one of the oldest kingdoms in Iberia, established in 824, and had a historic alliance with France going back to the Carolingian Empire.
However, when King Charles VIII of France (1470–98) invaded Italy in 1494 and expelled the cousin of King Ferdinand the Catholic (1452–1516) from the throne of Naples, Navarre became embroiled in the Italian Wars and came into conflict with the de facto ruler of all Spain. As punishment for not breaking with his successor, Louis XII (1462–1515) who resumed the French invasion of Italy Pope Julius II (1443–1513) excommunicated King John III (1469–1516) and Queen Catherine (1468–1517) of Navarre. The excommunication meant that not only were their vassals freed from their oaths of fealty, but that their neighbors were free, if not obligated, to invade their territory. This brought about the downfall of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre.

A Forgery?

Despite his fierce reputation, Julius II was a dying man when this papal bull was issued. There is debate concerning the authenticity of the document because it was decreed only three days before he died on the 21st of February. Furthermore, the Catholic Church has always rejected the authenticity of it. Many historians now believe that this is a forged document that was used by King Ferdinand as a false pretext to legitimize his conquest of the Kingdom of Navarre, which began in 1512 and completed the unification of modern-day Spain.