The Spanish prelates contended fiercely for two principles touching the episcopacy: one was that the residence of bishops in their dioceses had been divinely commanded; the other, that their authority is derived from Christ immediately.

The first struck at the Pope's power to dispense from the duty of residence; and if it had been established, it would have ruined his capital.

The second would have rendered the episcopacy independent of Rome, and have made the Holy Father one of a numerous oligarchy instead of the absolute chief of a hierarchy.

Pius was able to show Philip that the independence of the bishops must inflict deep injuries on the crown of Spain.

Philip therefore wrote to forbid insistance on this point.