Quick Reference
The ceremony at which the final decision in trials of heretics by the Inquisition was pronounced. After a short sermon, sentences were pronounced: those found innocent were acquitted; those who recanted were sentenced to the penances prescribed by canon law; and unrepentant heretics were handed over to the secular authorities for punishment. This took the form of burning at the stake. The term auto de fe is also used.
Subjects: Christianity.
Related content in Oxford Index
Reference entries
Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content. Please, subscribe or login to access all content.