Often the candidates had to waste years in Rome, and either died there, or carried back a vivid impression of the dominant corruption.

Germany suffered more than other countries from these appeals and processes, and hence of all countries was best prepared for the Reformation.

During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries the popes made gigantic strides in the acquisition of power.

Instead of recommending their favorites for benefices, now they issued mandates.

Their Italian partisans must be rewarded; nothing could be done to satisfy their clamors, but to provide for them in foreign countries.