Leo XIII, 1878-1903

whether they do this secretly or openly, whether or not they exact from their followers an oath to preserve secrecy, are condemned by automatic excommunication.

1861. (4) Besides these there are also other sects which are prohibited and must be avoided under pain of grave sin, among which are to be reckoned especially all those which bind their followers under oath to a secret to be divulged to no one, and exact absolute obedience to be offered to secret leaders. It is to be noted, furthermore, that there are some societies which, although it cannot be determined with certainty whether or not they belong to these which we have mentioned, are nevertheless doubtful and full of danger not only because of the doctrines which they profess, but also because of the philosophy of action which those follow under whose leadership they have developed and are governed.

Assistance of a Physician or of a Confessor at a Duel¹

[From the Response of the Holy Office to the Bishop of Poitiers, May 31, 1884]

To the question:

1862. I. Can a physician when invited by duelists assist at a duel with the intention of bringing an end to the fight more quickly, or simply to bind and cure wounds, without incurring the excommunication reserved simply to the Highest Pontiff?

II. Can he at least, without being present at the duel, stay at a neighboring house or in a place nearby, ready to offer his service, if the duelists have need of it.

III. What about a confessor under the same conditions?

The answers are:

To I, he cannot, and excommunication is incurred.

To II and III, that, insofar as it takes place as described, he cannot, and likewise excommunication is incurred.

Cremation of Corpses²

[From the Decree of the Holy Office, May 19 and Dec. 15, 1886]

To the question:

1863. I. Whether it is permitted to join societies whose purpose is to promote the practice of burning the corpses of men?

II. Whether it is permitted to command that one's own or the corpses of others be burned?