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​en bref: apres 700 ans on as trouvé et publie le document que libère les templiers de la accusation de hérésie.
Des réproductions sont vendu par le Vatican.

Knights Templar win heresy reprieve after 700 years

The medieval Christian military order known as the Knights Templar, once accused of heresy and misconduct, is set to be partially rehabilitated as the Vatican prepares to release trial documents that have remained sealed for 700 years.

A reproduction of the trial records, titled Processus Contra Templarios – Papal Inquiry into the Trial of the Templars, is an extensive work that goes beyond a standard book, with a price of 5,900 euros ($8,333).

"This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time these documents are being officially released by the Vatican, lending credibility to the entire project," explained Professor Barbara Frale, a medieval historian from the Vatican's Secret Archives.

"Prior to this, scholars did not have access to original documents from the Templar trials," she stated in an interview ahead of the official presentation on October 25.

The collection is housed in a soft leather case and includes a large-format book featuring scholarly analysis, reproductions of original Latin parchments, and replicas of wax seals used by inquisitors in the 14th century—an exciting addition for those interested in Templar history.

Reuters received an early preview of the work, which has been produced in a limited edition of 799 numbered copies. One parchment, measuring approximately half a meter wide and two meters long, is so meticulously reproduced that even stains and imperfections from the originals are visible.

The first copy will be presented to Pope Benedict. The Vatican Secret Archives collaborated with Italy’s Scrinium cultural foundation to publish the work, with Scrinium serving as curator and holding exclusive global distribution rights.

The Knights Templar, formally known as Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, were established in 1119 by knights dedicated to protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land after the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099.

Over time, the order accumulated significant wealth and played a role in financing wars for European monarchs. Stories of their hidden treasures, secret rituals, and influence have inspired numerous films and books, including The Da Vinci Code.

The Templars have also been linked to the legend of the Holy Grail, believed to be the cup used by Christ during the Last Supper.

The Vatican anticipates that most copies of the work will be acquired by major university libraries and leading medieval scholars.

Persecution and Dissolution

The decline of the Templars began after Muslim forces reclaimed the Holy Land at the end of the 13th century. King Philip IV of France, one of their strongest adversaries, accused them of heresy, including denying Christ and engaging in idol worship.

One of the most revealing documents is the Chinon Parchment, which contains statements in which Pope Clement V absolves the Templars of heresy—contradicting King Philip’s efforts to dismantle the order.

Many Templars were executed by burning at the stake after confessing under duress, a fact widely acknowledged by historians.

The Chinon Chart, as the parchment is also known, was misplaced in the Vatican archives until 2001, when Frale rediscovered it.

"The document had been misfiled at some point in history. At first, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing," she recalled. "This was the document many historians had been searching for."

Historians suggest that Philip IV, who owed substantial debts to the Templars, saw their downfall as a convenient way to erase his financial obligations.

Frale noted that Pope Clement believed the Templars had committed serious offenses but did not consider them heretics.

Controversial Rituals

One aspect of their initiation ceremony reportedly involved spitting on the cross. Frale explained that this was intended as a test of obedience, preparing members for potential capture by Muslim forces. Additionally, accusations of immoral behavior within the order were made.

"The pope ultimately determined that while they were guilty of various transgressions—including violence and misconduct within the order—these did not amount to heresy," she said.

Despite his belief that the Templars were not heretics, Pope Clement formally dissolved the order in 1312, citing the need to protect the Church amid ongoing conflicts with the French king.

Frale described the trials between 1307 and 1312 as a political struggle between Clement and Philip, emphasizing that the newly released documents require historians to reassess Clement’s role.

"This publication allows people to examine the actual historical records and move beyond modern myths," she said.

Rosi Fontana, who assisted the Vatican in coordinating the project, remarked, "It’s remarkable that, even after 700 years, the fascination with the Templars remains strong."

"The precise reproductions of the parchments enable scholars to study, handle, and appreciate them as if they were the originals," Fontana added. "Even more importantly, this ensures that the actual documents will be preserved and protected from deterioration."