Note 98 — Chapter X · THE AUDIENCIA AND THE CHURCH: THE ROYAL PATRONAGE
Reading edition
The audiencia and the governor had supervision over espolios and vacant benefices.98 When a prelate entered into office it was his duty to file with the fiscal an inventory of all properties belonging to him at the time of his advent to the diocese.99 On the occasion of his death a treasury official was designated to estimate and administer the property left, pay the debts of the deceased churchman, execute his will with regard to his property in accordance with the law, and turn over the residue to the royal treasury. This process was known as taking the espolio.