Commendams

Commendams were a practice in the Catholic Church, particularly prevalent from the medieval period up to the French Revolution, where a benefice, such as an abbey or bishopric, was temporarily entrusted to a secular clergyman or even a layman. This individual, known as the commendatory abbot or commendatory bishop, would receive the revenues of the benefice but was not necessarily required to perform the spiritual duties associated with it. The appointment was often made by a secular ruler or the Pope, and it frequently served as a way to reward loyal supporters or to secure financial resources.

The system of commendams led to widespread criticism due to perceived abuses. Commendatory holders, often not members of the clergy or lacking spiritual qualifications, were accused of exploiting the benefices for personal gain, neglecting their responsibilities, and failing to maintain the religious institutions under their charge. This practice contributed to a decline in the spiritual life of some monasteries and bishoprics and fueled calls for reform within the Church. While intended to be a temporary measure, commendams often became hereditary or held for life, further entrenching the system. The Council of Trent attempted to address some of the abuses, but the practice persisted in various forms until it was largely abolished during the Reformation and later, more definitively, during the French Revolution.