Pedro Fernández De Quirós and His Agency Before the Holy See to Explore ‘Terra Australis Ignota’ (1600–1605)

• In Event: Historical Issues

Abstract

This paper discusses the agency undertaken in 1600 by Pedro Fernández de Quirós before the Holy See in order to obtain approval for his exploration of “Terra Australis”. I argue that obtaining papal privileges to undertake his exploration provided Fernández with autonomy from the king and the ecclesiastical hierarchy, to establish the first connection between the West Indies, Europe and Asia. To achieve the objective, I will analyse and assess the petitions sent by Fernández to Pope Clement VIII and the bulls issued by the aforementioned pontiff to approve the voyage.

Author

• José Luis Paz Nomey, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg