Pope's authority to free souls from Purgatory

[Hatikvah]

Martin Luther believed that the Pope has the authority to release all the souls from Purgatory at once. He criticized Pope Leo X for not doing it “out of love.” That was one of the biggest points in his 95 Theses. Yet, his theory was later debunked by many theologians in his country.

However, the error is really overshadowed by the simony and usury in the Church present in the early 16th century. We must look at it in context.

 

[cmisip]

The Church cannot wipe out, with a stroke of the pen, so to speak, everyone’s temporal punishments because their remission depends on the dispositions of the persons who suffer those temporal punishments. Just as repentance and faith are needed for the remission of eternal penalties, so they are needed for the remission of temporal penalties. Pope Paul VI stated, “Indulgences cannot be gained without a sincere conversion of outlook and unity with God”(Indulgentarium Doctrina 11). We might say that the degree of remission depends on how well the penitent has learned his lesson.

I understand this as it applies to the living but not for the dead in purgatory. If we are still on earth, we must qualify for an indulgence. If somebody living gains a plenary indulgence and offers that up for a soul in purgatory, that soul is immediately freed to go to heaven. Our role is intercessory, but there is a difference between a prayer and an indulgence offered to the soul in purgatory. The reduction of their stay in purgatory is really the only outcome of our intercessory prayers from what I understand. If I pray for someone in purgatory, then their sentence is reduced. If indulgences are transferred to them, then their sentence is reduced to zero. The souls in purgatory are going to heaven. Therefore don’t they already have the sincere conversion of outlook and unity with God? Don’t they already meet the qualifications for indulgence by default. Hasn’t this happened in the past when christians procured indulgences for the dead? Those indulgences had to be valid for the purposes they were intended for, however they were acquired. And they were acquired specifically for the dead.

The facts :

1. The Pope can grant plenary indulgences to the living provided we have met the conditions and qualifications. Making indulgences available for the living has the positive effect of

urging them to perform works of piety, penitence and charity–particularly those which lead to growth in faith and which favor the common good."

1. Indulgences thus obtained can be used for oneself or given up for souls in purgatory for the purpose of complete remission of the temporal punishments due to them resulting in their immediate entry to heaven.

The question:

1. Why cant the Pope just grant the indulgence directly to the souls in purgatory?

Possible answers:

1. They don’t qualify because they don’t have

"sincere conversion of outlook and unity with God "

( quote from catholic1seeks) → I doubt this but please enlighten me. The temporal punishments they are receiving cannot be the vehicle to obtain the sincere conversion and unity. I fail to see them as “undecided” at that point being not sincerely converted of outlook…
—> It is a problem of QUALIFICATION.

1. There must always be a living human being in the chain to procure the indulgence in the first place. —> Why?
   —> It is a PROCEDURAL or POLICY problem.
2. The Pope’s authority does not extend this far.

“…does the Church (the pope and whom he authorises) have jurisdiction over the dead. To my knowledge he does not. The indulgences that are given to the Poor Souls are specifically called “by means of suffrage (intercession)”. This implies is not by the power of the keys, but by the communion of saints.”

(quote from Pug). However this invalidates fact #2. The indulgences obtained from the Pope transferred to the souls in the purgatory are valid.
—> It is a problem of VALIDITY.

I doubt 1 and 3. But there might be another explanation. Are the facts I stated really facts?

Thanks for your interest

 

[Pug]

I first want to comment on your 2 facts. I’m not sure what implicit assumptions you have when making them. Are you assuming that indulgences apply to every living person, even the unbaptized? Myself, I tend to make my comments with an underlying assumption that we are talking about a Catholic when discussing indulgences. Canon law limits indulgences to the baptized (CIC 996). So those “living” are baptized living. Not sure if that law is one of those that cannot be otherwise on account of doctrine. How that might affect someone in Purgatory - unknown to me. I’d guess it is immaterial for them, since that would be merciful.

You have to be aware that not all things are authoritatively defined in the Church, so there may be disagreement when you are off the beaten track.

I have dug up a quote for you from my commentary on canon law, concerning canon 994, (New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law Paulist Press, pg 1176):

“The traditional reference to indulgences for the dead as granted only by way of suffrage, prayer, or petition indicates that the Church asserts no power of authoritative declaration concerning the extent of purgatorial punishment remitted for those who have already died.”

This would apply to your fact #2, introducing an element of uncertainty to a particular outcome. But I think not too much uncertainty. It rests not on power, but petition or request. But Luther’s error in saying that indulgence were of no profit to the dead was condemned by the Church, so presumably we can infer that they are of some profit. I’ve always assumed that they are and so seek them for the souls in Purgatory (when I get around to it, I’m not any super prayer person).

 

[Vico]

I understand this as it applies to the living but not for the dead in purgatory. If we are still on earth, we must qualify for an indulgence. If somebody living gains a plenary indulgence and offers that up for a soul in purgatory, that soul is immediately freed to go to heaven. Our role is intercessory, but there is a difference between a prayer and an indulgence offered to the soul in purgatory. The reduction of their stay in purgatory is really the only outcome of our intercessory prayers from what I understand. If I pray for someone in purgatory, then their sentence is reduced. If indulgences are transferred to them, then their sentence is reduced to zero. The souls in purgatory are going to heaven. Therefore don’t they already have the sincere conversion of outlook and unity with God? Don’t they already meet the qualifications for indulgence by default. Hasn’t this happened in the past when christians procured indulgences for the dead? Those indulgences had to be valid for the purposes they were intended for, however they were acquired. And they were acquired specifically for the dead.

The facts :

1. The Pope can grant plenary indulgences to the living provided we have met the conditions and qualifications. Making indulgences available for the living has the positive effect of
2. Indulgences thus obtained can be used for oneself or given up for souls in purgatory for the purpose of complete remission of the temporal punishments due to them resulting in their immediate entry to heaven.

The question:

1. Why cant the Pope just grant the indulgence directly to the souls in purgatory?

Possible answers:

1. They don’t qualify because they don’t have ( quote from catholic1seeks) → I doubt this but please enlighten me. The temporal punishments they are receiving cannot be the vehicle to obtain the sincere conversion and unity. I fail to see them as “undecided” at that point being not sincerely converted of outlook…
   —> It is a problem of QUALIFICATION.
2. There must always be a living human being in the chain to procure the indulgence in the first place. —> Why?
   —> It is a PROCEDURAL or POLICY problem.
3. The Pope’s authority does not extend this far.
   (quote from Pug). However this invalidates fact #2. The indulgences obtained from the Pope transferred to the souls in the purgatory are valid.
   —> It is a problem of VALIDITY.

I doubt 1 and 3. But there might be another explanation. Are the facts I stated really facts?

Thanks for your interest

It is not done that way because it is not the best way to proceed, not because of impossibility. The answer was given in the earlier post:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=13984296&postcount=16

 

[cmisip]

Pug quotes:

The traditional reference to indulgences for the dead as granted only by way of suffrage, prayer, or petition indicates that the Church asserts no power of authoritative declaration concerning the extent of purgatorial punishment remitted for those who have already died

Taken from ourladyswarriors.org/indulge/g67.htm

1. Visit to a Church or Oratory on All Souls Day (Visitatio ecclesiae vel oratorii in Commemoratione omnium fidelium defunctorum)

A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who on the day dedicated to the Commemoration of all the faithful departed, piously visit a church, a public oratory or – for those entitled to use it – a semipublic oratory.

So a plenary indulgence by definition is indulgence that results in full remission of temporal punishment. In this case applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory. And there was no specific QUALIFICATION necessary on the part of the Soul in Purgatory.

A plenary indulgence would mean the extent of the purgatorial punishment remitted is FULL.

This year since last November with the Jubilee Year of Mercy, those obtaining a plenary or partial indulgence can choose to apply it either to themselves or the souls of deceased persons.

Taken from thedivinemercy.org/jubilee/thebasics/indulgence.php

Like all previous Jubilees, the Jubilee Year of Mercy features a very special plenary indulgence (the complete remission of all temporal punishment due to sin)…
You may receive the plenary indulgence yourself, or offer it for a person in purgatory.

I don’t see why the souls in purgatory would profit less from the plenary indulgence the living have earned and transferred to them. The plenary indulgences offered for the souls in purgatory should result in no less than their immediate release from purgatory into heaven.

Vico comments:

It is not done that way because it is not the best way to proceed, not because of impossibility. The answer was given in the earlier post:

It seems that it is a problem of POLICY. And this is the point that I don’t really understand. The Treasury of the Church is infinite. And there is a need to dispense it to all who need it. I understand the conditions imposed on the living as necessary but I don’t see why the conditions should apply to the souls in purgatory. If they can be freed, why not do it right away, everyday, all the time, for ALL of them. Empty out purgatory. if the only hindrance to that is POLICY, can the POLICY be changed to allow for plenary indulgences to be granted to the souls in purgatory directly as often as it can be done?

Summa Theologica from newadvent.org/summa/5071.htm#article10

For there is no reason why the Church is able to transfer the common merits, whereon indulgences are based, to the living and not to the dead. Nor does it follow that a prelate of the Church can release souls from purgatory just as he lists, since for indulgences to avail there must be a fitting CAUSE for granting them.

So the Pope can directly grant indulgences to all the souls in purgatory. But there must be a CAUSE (action that results in the granting ) for indulgences to be granted. Can’t this POLICY be changed? Can’t we consider the suffering (action) of the souls in purgatory and our love and mercy (action) as CAUSE for the Pope to grant the plenary indulgence to them directly. Even if that love and mercy is from just one man and the merit dispensed from the Treasury for his action enough to free all the souls in Purgatory.

Thanks

 

[Vico]

Pug quotes:

Taken from ourladyswarriors.org/indulge/g67.htm

So a plenary indulgence by definition is indulgence that results in full remission of temporal punishment. In this case applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory. And there was no specific QUALIFICATION necessary on the part of the Soul in Purgatory.

A plenary indulgence would mean the extent of the purgatorial punishment remitted is FULL.

This year since last November with the Jubilee Year of Mercy, those obtaining a plenary or partial indulgence can choose to apply it either to themselves or the souls of deceased persons.

Taken from thedivinemercy.org/jubilee/thebasics/indulgence.php

I don’t see why the souls in purgatory would profit less from the plenary indulgence the living have earned and transferred to them. The plenary indulgences offered for the souls in purgatory should result in no less than their immediate release from purgatory into heaven.

Vico comments:

It seems that it is a problem of POLICY. And this is the point that I don’t really understand. The Treasury of the Church is infinite. And there is a need to dispense it to all who need it. I understand the conditions imposed on the living as necessary but I don’t see why the conditions should apply to the souls in purgatory. If they can be freed, why not do it right away, everyday, all the time, for ALL of them. Empty out purgatory. if the only hindrance to that is POLICY, can the POLICY be changed to allow for plenary indulgences to be granted to the souls in purgatory directly as often as it can be done?

Summa Theologica from newadvent.org/summa/5071.htm#article10

So the Pope can directly grant indulgences to all the souls in purgatory. But there must be a CAUSE (action that results in the granting ) for indulgences to be granted. Can’t this POLICY be changed? Can’t we consider the suffering (action) of the souls in purgatory and our love and mercy (action) as CAUSE for the Pope to grant the plenary indulgence to them directly. Even if that love and mercy is from just one man and the merit dispensed from the Treasury for his action enough to free all the souls in Purgatory.

Thanks

It is not merely policy, rather as stated by Pope Paul VI: “The aim pursued by ecclesiastical authority in granting indulgences is not only that of helping the faithful to expiate the punishment due sin but also that of urging them to perform works of piety, penitence and charity”.

Why? We should be Christlike and participate. It is not the best that can be done for the Supreme Pontiff alone to act.

 

[cmisip]

Granting indulgence directly to the souls in purgatory does not stop us from engaging in “works of piety, penitence and charity” for whatever reason but hopefully for the reason that it is the right thing to do. It does not seem right to dangle their (Souls in Purgatory) relief in front of us as a carrot to motivate us to engage in works of piety, penitence and charity. It doesn’t seem right to withold from them their relief if it can be done so easily with a stroke of a pen. In all practicality, maybe its easier to visualize the situation if we think of them as our neighbors who due to an affliction, require medicine but unable to procure it themselves. So as agents of the Church engaged in piety, penitence and charity, we drive to the pharmacy to obtain their medicine (suffrage, prayers, indulgence) and give it to them. And they are relieved for a little while or completely. The pharmacy (church) has the cure (plenary indulgence) and it does not cost the pharmacy any more to dispense the cure (infinite Treasury) and they have the means to deliver the cure (authority to change policy through the power of the keys) without our intervention. We the living are faced with the affliction (sin) the rest of our lives and we therefore are motivated to obtain it (indulgence) for ourselves for our own benefit through these works (piety, penitence, charity) if we are not innately motivated by higher reason such as moral sense. These works need to be done because it is the right (moral) thing to do. That reason alone should suffice. Freeing the souls in purgatory will be one of the grandest work of charity, and it does not seem to conflict with moral sense. But none of us can be as grandly charitable as the Pope since he holds the keys to the Treasury and have full control of it. As agents of the Church engaged in “Causes (actions)” to obtain indulgences we are metering relief out to them (souls in purgatory) in cups and saucers (freeing a soul), when the Pope can pour a whole ocean on them (empty purgatory - free all the souls - in an instant).

Thanks

 

[Vico]

Granting indulgence directly to the souls in purgatory does not stop us from engaging in “works of piety, penitence and charity” for whatever reason but hopefully for the reason that it is the right thing to do. It does not seem right to dangle their (Souls in Purgatory) relief in front of us as a carrot to motivate us to engage in works of piety, penitence and charity. It doesn’t seem right to withold from them their relief if it can be done so easily with a stroke of a pen. In all practicality, maybe its easier to visualize the situation if we think of them as our neighbors who due to an affliction, require medicine but unable to procure it themselves. So as agents of the Church engaged in piety, penitence and charity, we drive to the pharmacy to obtain their medicine (suffrage, prayers, indulgence) and give it to them. And they are relieved for a little while or completely. The pharmacy (church) has the cure (plenary indulgence) and it does not cost the pharmacy any more to dispense the cure (infinite Treasury) and they have the means to deliver the cure (authority to change policy through the power of the keys) without our intervention. We the living are faced with the affliction (sin) the rest of our lives and we therefore are motivated to obtain it (indulgence) for ourselves for our own benefit through these works (piety, penitence, charity) if we are not innately motivated by higher reason such as moral sense. These works need to be done because it is the right (moral) thing to do. That reason alone should suffice. Freeing the souls in purgatory will be one of the grandest work of charity, and it does not seem to conflict with moral sense. But none of us can be as grandly charitable as the Pope since he holds the keys to the Treasury and have full control of it. As agents of the Church engaged in “Causes (actions)” to obtain indulgences we are metering relief out to them (souls in purgatory) in cups and saucers (freeing a soul), when the Pope can pour a whole ocean on them (empty purgatory - free all the souls - in an instant).

Thanks

It does not stop us, but then we do not then participate as desired by the Church.

 

[cmisip]

There’s not going to be any shortage of souls in Purgatory. People are dying all the time. Even if the souls are freed everyday, our ability to participate does not diminish. We could only effect very little anyway metering out indulgences/petitions by the cup, compared to what could be happening.

If Superman refused to fly to the top of a burning building to save some people trapped up there, because of a policy that prohibits flying…That would be a terrible day indeed. It is a worse reason to say that he refused so that we can have the opportunity to save those people. We might save one or two and the rest will die horrible deaths. The Pope is a superhero. With great power, comes great responsibility.

Thanks.

 

[Vico]

There’s not going to be any shortage of souls in Purgatory. People are dying all the time. Even if the souls are freed everyday, our ability to participate does not diminish. We could only effect very little anyway metering out indulgences/petitions by the cup, compared to what could be happening.

If Superman refused to fly to the top of a burning building to save some people trapped up there, because of a policy that prohibits flying…That would be a terrible day indeed. It is a worse reason to say that he refused so that we can have the opportunity to save those people. We might save one or two and the rest will die horrible deaths. The Pope is a superhero. With great power, comes great responsibility.

Thanks.

It is called suffrage and for plenary indulgence there must be perfect contrition for all sin, mortal and venial alike. This is complete detachment from sin. Now, God is not attached to sin and could destroy any remaining attachment to sin for those in purgatory, but does not. Similarly neither does the Supreme Pontiff, rather allows for the faithful to pray for them and offer the Eucharist for them as suffrage.

 

[Pug]

If Superman refused to fly to the top of a burning building to save some people trapped up there, because of a policy that prohibits flying…That would be a terrible day indeed. It is a worse reason to say that he refused so that we can have the opportunity to save those people. We might save one or two and the rest will die horrible deaths…

God has chosen not to universally help with just those sorts of things, the non-eternal, as far as I can tell. Jesus came and saved us, yes, but we still die horrible deaths, live in years of painful cancers, struggle with being so cognitively challenged we can’t recognize our family, suffer attack from Satan, and suffer disorder in our inner selves (concupiscence), etc. Why? Presumably so that good may come of it. This is the standard bible quote for this concern (for example CCC 313 or 395)

Romans 8:28 We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.

God can do things that Superman cannot.

 

[Pug]

Pug quotes:

Taken from ourladyswarriors.org/indulge/g67.htm

So a plenary indulgence by definition is indulgence that results in full remission of temporal punishment. In this case applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory. And there was no specific QUALIFICATION necessary on the part of the Soul in Purgatory.

I thought of providing this quote to you, but I think it is likely still conditioned by the general rule about being per modum suffragii.

I have heard two different stories about the qualification that you mention. Some say that since it is the poor souls, your personal disposition does not matter, but others have said that since it relies on prayer, your dispositions do matter.

 

[cmisip]

Vico states

It is called suffrage and for plenary indulgence there must be perfect contrition for all sin, mortal and venial alike. This is complete detachment from sin. Now, God is not attached to sin and could destroy any remaining attachment to sin for those in purgatory, but does not. Similarly neither does the Supreme Pontiff, rather allows for the faithful to pray for them and offer the Eucharist for them as suffrage.

I completely understand the motivation that the suffering of the souls in purgatory provides for the living so that we will be urged to engage in works of piety, penitence and charity. But that is not the only supreme and singular motivation. Plenty of suffering here on earth and there would still be plenty of souls in purgatory even if the Pope decides to free the souls. The motivation to engage in works of piety, penitence and charity would still be there and even for the same reasons despite the Pope’s freeing the souls from purgatory.

Pug states

I have heard two different stories about the qualification that you mention. Some say that since it is the poor souls, your personal disposition does not matter, but others have said that since it relies on prayer, your dispositions do matter.

Our dispositions do matter if we proceed as we have been, part of the chain between the Pope and the souls in purgatory. If the Pope decided to free the souls in purgatory directly, without our intervention, then our disposition does not really matter. I am trying to make a clear distinction here between the Pope’s direct efforts to free the souls and us acting as agents of the Church to free the souls through suffrage.

So far I believe the following facts have been deduced :

1. The Pope has been given a lot of power and authority through the Power of the Keys.
2. The souls in purgatory can obtain plenary indulgence through CAUSES performed by the living, awarded to them (souls) through suffrage.
3. Plenary indulgence leads to complete remission of sin and for a soul in purgatory, that means immediate entry to heaven.
4. There is an infinite Treasury from which the indulgences are drawn.
5. The Pope DECIDES the distribution of the indulgences.
6. The present case is the Pope DECIDES not to offer it directly to the souls in Purgatory.
7. The Pope DECIDES not to offer it directly so that we the living participate in works of piety, penance and charity towards our fellow and by suffrage to the souls in purgatory, towards them as well.
8. There will always be souls in purgatory, even if the Pope DECIDES to empty it regularly.
9. The action to free souls in purgatory is not morally objectionable. Though it would seem the opposite (not freeing the souls in purgatory) would be objectionable especially if the means to carry out the freeing exists.

If any means exist to free those who are trapped by the fire on top of the building, we should use ALL of those means.

Intrinsic to number 5 would be number 1. The Pope’s authority as set forth with “What your bind on earth, will be bound in heaven…”

I used the word DECIDES because implicit in that is the notion that the policy that prevents the Pope from granting indulgence directly to the souls in purgatory can be rescinded ( unbound ) by the Pope as well and implicit as well is the notion that he is ABLE to carry out the action. Superman created the policy that prohibited him from flying. He can unmake it too. It will be honored in heaven. So it really boils down to being a DECISION.

So far we have engaged in this conversation purely intellectually discussing a topic that is far removed, non corporeal, seemingly unconnected to our lives, non urgent. Does it help to shift perspectives a bit. Look at the situation as if YOU are the one trapped on top of the burning building (Purgatory). Because that is the fate of most of us.

Thanks

 

[Pug]

1. The Pope DECIDES the distribution of the indulgences.
2. The present case is the Pope DECIDES not to offer it directly to the souls in Purgatory.

It only boils down to a decision if it is the case that the pope can free all the souls in Purgatory by fiat, and I suppose also if it is the case that the pope knows he has this power. I recommend against deciding he has that power until you can confirm with certainty that he does. Vico and I cannot confirm that he has that power for you. I know of no official Church document that clearly says that he has that power.

However, I do agree with the idea that just because a power isn’t used, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

If it were me in Purgatory right now and the pope could release me and he didn’t, that is what you ask? How would I feel/respond? Perhaps a flash of anger, but then resignation because it is par for the course of my life. I already respond that way in the case of suffering. I get upset about it now and then, but mostly I just whine and ask God why doesn’t he kill me, and then I go play a video game and ignore it, hoping at least some soul in Purgatory will benefit from the whole ordeal; a scant, but real consolation.

 

[Vico]

Vico states

I completely understand the motivation that the suffering of the souls in purgatory provides for the living so that we will be urged to engage in works of piety, penitence and charity. But that is not the only supreme and singular motivation. Plenty of suffering here on earth and there would still be plenty of souls in purgatory even if the Pope decides to free the souls. The motivation to engage in works of piety, penitence and charity would still be there and even for the same reasons despite the Pope’s freeing the souls from purgatory.

Pug states

Our dispositions do matter if we proceed as we have been, part of the chain between the Pope and the souls in purgatory. If the Pope decided to free the souls in purgatory directly, without our intervention, then our disposition does not really matter. I am trying to make a clear distinction here between the Pope’s direct efforts to free the souls and us acting as agents of the Church to free the souls through suffrage.

So far I believe the following facts have been deduced :

1. The Pope has been given a lot of power and authority through the Power of the Keys.
2. The souls in purgatory can obtain plenary indulgence through CAUSES performed by the living, awarded to them (souls) through suffrage.
3. Plenary indulgence leads to complete remission of sin and for a soul in purgatory, that means immediate entry to heaven.
4. There is an infinite Treasury from which the indulgences are drawn.
5. The Pope DECIDES the distribution of the indulgences.
6. The present case is the Pope DECIDES not to offer it directly to the souls in Purgatory.
7. The Pope DECIDES not to offer it directly so that we the living participate in works of piety, penance and charity towards our fellow and by suffrage to the souls in purgatory, towards them as well.
8. There will always be souls in purgatory, even if the Pope DECIDES to empty it regularly.
9. The action to free souls in purgatory is not morally objectionable. Though it would seem the opposite (not freeing the souls in purgatory) would be objectionable especially if the means to carry out the freeing exists.

If any means exist to free those who are trapped by the fire on top of the building, we should use ALL of those means.

Intrinsic to number 5 would be number 1. The Pope’s authority as set forth with “What your bind on earth, will be bound in heaven…”

I used the word DECIDES because implicit in that is the notion that the policy that prevents the Pope from granting indulgence directly to the souls in purgatory can be rescinded ( unbound ) by the Pope as well and implicit as well is the notion that he is ABLE to carry out the action. Superman created the policy that prohibited him from flying. He can unmake it too. It will be honored in heaven. So it really boils down to being a DECISION.

So far we have engaged in this conversation purely intellectually discussing a topic that is far removed, non corporeal, seemingly unconnected to our lives, non urgent. Does it help to shift perspectives a bit. Look at the situation as if YOU are the one trapped on top of the burning building (Purgatory). Because that is the fate of most of us.

Thanks

It is not specifically a power of the Supreme Pontiff but of the Church. The Pope does not go over and against the entire Church. The power of indulgences is from ancient times and exercised by the bishops, and the tradition since ancient times also is significant, and it was not granted by any bishop for *all *souls in purgatory.

Tertulian (160-220 A.D.) mentions it in De Pudicitia. Also at Council of Ancyra (315 A.D.), Nice (432 A.D.) twelfth canon, Fourth Council of Carthage (398 A.D.), Pope Urban II, Council of Clermont (1095 A.D.).

Catholic Encyclopedia

In granting an indulgence, the grantor (pope or bishop) does not offer his personal merits in lieu of what God demands from the sinner. He acts in his official capacity as having jurisdiction in the Church, from whose spiritual treasury he draws the means wherewith payment is to be made. The Church herself is not the absolute owner, but simply the administratrix, of the superabundant merits which that treasury contains. In applying them, she keeps in view both the design of God’s mercy and the demands of God’s justice. She therefore determines the amount of each concession, as well as the conditions which the penitent must fulfill if he would gain the indulgence.

Kent, W. (1910). Indulgences. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
Nihil Obstat. June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York.

newadvent.org/cathen/07783a.htm