The Spanish Crown, Portugal, and the Papacy

This is the second of two bulls, both entitled “Inter Cetera,” issued by Pope Alexander VI in an effort to settle the dispute between the Spanish and Portuguese crowns over their respective spheres in the Atlantic, which Columbus’ s first voyage had brought to a head. The official date of this bull is incorrect; it was actually issued in June 1493. This document, 2nd Documents 24, 25, and 27, are written in the technical and highly stylized Renaissance Latin of the Papal Chancery.