who issued the first decretal. A decretal is “an answer sent by the pope to applications to him as head of the church, for guidance in cases involving points of doctrine or discipline.” The directions of Siricius in this decretal were to be strictly observed under penalty of excommunication. It was dated February 11, A. D. 385. He convened a council in Rome, which decreed that “no one should presume to ordain a bishop without the knowledge of the apostolic see.”—Bower. 4[Page 449] “History of Popes,” Siricius, par. 21. He was succeeded by— TTR 449.4