History glossary
Regnans in Excelsis
the 1570 papal bull that excommunicated Elizabeth I and released her subjects from obedience.
- Category
- Papal bull
- Region
- England and Rome
- Date range
- 1570
What it means
Regnans in Excelsis was issued by Pope Pius V in 1570. It declared Elizabeth I excommunicated and claimed her subjects no longer owed her obedience, hardening the political danger surrounding English Catholicism.
