The Influence of Pope Innocent VIII’s “Summis desiderantes affectibus” on European Witch Hunts
A Pivotal Papal Bull Pope Innocent VIII issued the papal bull “Summis desiderantes affectibus” on December 5, 1484. This significant document addressed the growing concerns about witchcraft in Europe and provided the impetus for subsequent witch hunts. Context and Issuance During his papacy from 1484 to 1492, Innocent VIII faced various political and religious challenges.…