A Congregation specially appointed for examining, classifying, and remedying such abuses had been established.

It was divided into three committees, consisting of eight Cardinals, fifteen prelates, and fifty men of learning.

At the same time the Inquisition was rigorously maintained.

Paul extended its jurisdiction, empowered it to use torture, and was constant in his attendance on its meetings and _autos da fe_.[26] But now that his plans for the expulsion of the Spaniards had failed, and his nephews had been hurled from their high station into the dust, there remained no other interest to distract his mind.

Every day witnessed the promulgation of some new edict touching monastic discipline, simony, sale of offices, collation to benefices, church ritual, performance of clerical duties, and appointment to ecclesiastical dignities.