Handwritten document on parchment, dated 1716 and with original lead seal bearing the inscription “Clemens Papa XI”. Ancient Latin text of difficult interpretation, to be studied; papal disposition / encyclical, written also on the back with notary cartouche. With certificate of authenticity (COA). Size: approx 38 x 53 cm In good condition; small faults on the folds with minimal loss of text. Pope Clement XI, in Latin: Clemens PP. XI, born Giovanni Francesco Albani (Urbino, 23 July 1649 – Rome, 19 March 1721), was 243rd Pope of the Catholic Church from 1700 until his death. During the pontificate of Clement XI the controversy between Dominicans and Jesuits on the Chinese and Malabarese rites intensified. By decision of 20 November 1704, the Pope condemned the use of both rites, agreeing with the Dominicans. In particular, he ordered the missionaries to follow the Decree of the Holy Inquisition for India and China in its entirety. To enforce the Decree he specifically sent a legate in India and China, Cardinal Carlo Tommaso de Tournon. On 7 January 1706 the Pontiff reaffirmed this decision (bull Gaudium in domino). However, the mission of the legate did not have the desired results: divergences between missionaries remained. The Jesuits in Beijing, not very satisfied with this edict, refused to apply it and suspended themselves from the administration of the sacraments, arguing that it was not possible to do Mission in China following those prohibitions. In March 1715 Clement XI issued what in his intentions was to be the last word on the matter: the Apostolic Constitution "Ex Illa Die" which reiterated and confirmed all the prohibitions of the Decree of 1704, and exacted an oath of allegiance by the missionaries.