A Proclamation Declares the Banishment of Catholic Bishops and Priest

A proclamation issued under the reign of King Charles II declares the banishment of all Roman Catholic bishops and priests from Ireland. This decree also mandates the closure of Catholic religious houses, such as monasteries, convents, and schools. The proclamation is part of a broader campaign to enforce Protestant supremacy and suppress Catholic influence following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Catholic clergy were seen by the Crown and Parliament as a political threat, particularly due to their allegiance to the Pope. As a result, many bishops and priests were forced into hiding, went into exile, or faced imprisonment. The closures of religious institutions severely disrupted Catholic education and worship across Ireland, deepening the religious divide and fueling further resentment among the Irish Catholic population.