In the eyes of Ugolini such bishops were usually wanting in two essential qualities of a good prelate: religious zeal and zeal for the Church.
He believed that the Preaching and the Minor Friars would not only possess those virtues which were lacking in the others, but that in the hands of the papacy they might become a highly centralized hierarchy, truly catholic, wholly devoted to the interests of the Church at large.
The difficulties which might occur on the part of the chapters which should elect the bishops, as well as on the side of the high secular clergy, would be put to flight by the enthusiasm which the people would feel for pastors whose poverty would recall the days of the primitive Church.
At the close of his interviews with Francis and Dominic, he communicated to them some of these thoughts, asking their advice as to the elevation of their friars to prelatures.

There was a pious contest between the two saints as to which should answer first.

Finally, Dominic said simply that he should prefer to see his companions remain as they were.

In his turn, Francis showed that the very name of his institute made the thing impossible.

"If my friars have been called _Minores_," he said, "it is not that they may become _Majores_.