text: The four Cardinals are legitimising their treason with reference to a piece of church legalism from the early 1300's. They should then be punished using the common punishments meted out at that time. (Clement V did send a group of 'inquisitors' to England to 'interview' some uppity Catholics at that time.) Torture and branding (disfigurement) were common but lesser 
  punishments were also used. 
  
  The one which would be most suitable in this case - executing them would probably be on the severe side - would be the 'commode'. Transgressors were stripped and tied to a toilet then dragged around the village. The four Cardinals would surely then see that it is good that legislation evolves and changes as people do. Francis does have the duty to teach.