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( 1513 ) Commentary by Michael J. O'Neal, Ph.D.

“Of all these nations God our Lord gave charge to one man, called St. Peter, that he should be Lord and Superior of all the men in the world, that all should obey him, and that he should be the head of the whole human race.” - Paragraph 2
“One of these Pontiffs, who succeeded that St. Peter as Lord of the world, in the dignity and seat which I have before mentioned, made donation of these isles and Tierra-firme to the aforesaid King and Queen and to their successors, our lords.” - Paragraph 4
“So their Highnesses are kings and lords of these islands and land of Tierra-firme by virtue of this donation.” - Paragraph 5
“If you do not do this, and maliciously make delay in it, I certify to you that, with the help of God, we shall powerfully enter into your country, and shall make war against you in all ways and manners that we can, and shall subject you to the yoke and obedience of the Church and of their Highnesses.” - Paragraph 7

Christopher Columbus landing on the island of Hispaniola (Library of Congress)

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