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No MacPope! Scotland holds out forever against imaginary Papal sons

After my yelp of surprise when the Pope Trivia Quiz claimed that it is illegal for a Scot to become Pope on pain of banishment, writes Libby Purves, kindly reader "Recusant" linked me to the original 1560 text of this law: and yes, it is still on the statute book, Government websites confirm.

So, prospective Scottish cardinals please note:

"The Jurisdictioune and autoritie of the bischope of Rome callit the paip within this realme in tymes bipast hes bene verray hurtful and preiudiciall to our soueranis autoritie and commone weill of this realme. Thairfoir hes statute and ordanit that the bischope of Rome haif na Jurisdictioun nor autoritie within this realme in tymes cuming. And that nane of our saidis soueranis subiectis of this realme sute or desire in ony tyme heireftir title or rycht be the said bischope of Rome or his sait to ony thing within this realme vnder the panis of barratrye. That is to say proscriptioune banischement and neuir to bruke honour office nor dignitie within this realme."

So there.

Full story and links at The Times.