The same Augustus to John, Praetorian Prefect. We generally decree that all the most reverend bishops, as well as presbyters, deacons, and subdeacons, and especially monks, although they be not clerics, have by the law itself immunity from all guardianship, whether testamentary, or legitimate, or dative; and that they be free not only from guardianship, but also from curatorship, not only of wards and adults, but also of the madman, and the mute, and the deaf, and of other persons to whom guardians or curators are given by the ancient laws. §1. Yet we decree that those clerics and monks have a benefit of this kind, who remain at the most holy churches or monasteries, not wandering about, nor slothful concerning the divine ministries;
since for this very benefit we indulge them, that, leaving all other things behind, they may cleave to the ministries of God Almighty. §2. And this we decree shall hold good not only in old Rome, or in this royal city, but also in every land, wherever the name of Christians is honored.