Gregory VII: GREGORIUS VII: EPISTOLAE VAGANTES

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei carissimo fratri in Christo Lanfranco uenerabili Cantuariorum archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to his most dear brother in
Christ Lanfranc, venerable Archbishop of the Cantuarian people, greeting
and apostolic blessing.

Qualiter nobis apostolici regiminis honor et onus impositum sit, et quantis undique stringamur angustiis, praesentium tibi portitor indicabit, cui respectu tuae dilectionis etiam nonnulla nostris adhuc familiaribus occulta aperuimus. De caetero in primis fraternitatem tuam rogamus ut Deum pro nobis iugiter exorare non pigeat, et subditos sibi uel coniunctos fratres suis nos orationibus apud Deum iuuare commoneat. Quanto enim in maiore periculo positi sumus, tanto amplius tuis et bonorum omnium suffragiis indigemus.

How the honour and burden of the apostolic government have been imposed upon us, and by what great tightnesses on every side we are pressed, the bearer of these presents will tell you, in respect of whom by your affection we have also opened up some things still hidden to our intimates. Henceforth above all we beg your fraternity that you be not averse continually to beseech God for us, and that you admonish those subject to him or joined as brothers to him to aid us with their prayers before God. For the more we are placed in greater peril, the more do we stand in need of your and of all good men’s suffrages.

Nos etenim, si diuinae uindictae iudicium effugere uolumus, contra multos insurgere et eos in animam nostram prouocare compellimur. Nam dum omnes fere, sicut ait apostolus, quae sua sunt non quae Ihesu Christi quaerunt, regnorum principes et huius mundi potentes ut cupiditates suas expleant legem Dei et iusticiam non iam neglegenter deserunt sed summis conatibus impugnant, ut illud prophetae nunc sub oculis uideamus impletum: "Astiterunt reges terrae, et principes conuenerunt in unum, aduersus Dominum et aduersus christum eius." Episcopi uero et qui pastores animarum esse deberent, mundi gloriam et delicias carnis insatiabili desiderio prosequentes, non solum in semetipsis quae sancta quaeque sunt religiosa confundunt, sed subditos suos ad omne nefas operum suorum exemplo pertrahunt. Quibus non contraire quam nobis periculosum resistere autem et eorum nequiciam refrenare quam difficile sit, tua prudentia nouit.

For we, if we wish to escape the judgment of divine vindication, are compelled to rise against many and to provoke them to answer to our soul. For while almost all, as the Apostle says, seek their own things and not the things of Jesus Christ, the princes of kingdoms and the potentates of this world, that they may satisfy their desires, no longer negligently abandon the law of God and justice but assail them with the greatest efforts, so that we now see fulfilled before our eyes that saying of the prophet: "The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes were gathered together as one, against the Lord and against his Christ." But bishops and those who ought to be shepherds of souls, pursuing the glory of the world and the delights of the flesh with insatiable desire, not only mingle in themselves whatever things are holy and religious, but by their example draw their subjects into every crime of their deeds. How dangerous it is to oppose such men, and how difficult to restrain their wickedness, your prudence knows.

Sed quoniam quos dolores inter has patiamur angustias, ut supradiximus, huic communi filio nostro tibi referendum exeruimus, plura de his dicere supersedemus. Tuam uero fraternitatem etsi monitore non egeat, impellente tamen nos sollicitudine admonemus quatinus grauiora usquequaque resecare uitia studeat, et inter omnia et prae omnibus nefas quod de Scottis audiuimus, uidelicet quod plerique proprias uxores non solum deserunt sed etiam uendunt, modis omnibus prohibere contendat. Ad haec enim apostolica te auctoritate fultum esse uolumus, ut non solum in Scottis hoc scelus sed etiam in aliis, si quos in Anglorum insula tales esse cognoueris, dura animaduersione punias et radicem tanti mali prudenti sarculo correctionis penitus extirpare non differas.

But since the pains which we suffer among these distresses, as we said above, we have discharged to be reported to you by this our common son, we refrain from saying more about these things. Yet we admonish your fraternity, though in no need of a monitor, urged however by our solicitude, that you strive to cut away evermore the graver vices, and above all and before all to strive to forbid the crime which we have heard concerning the Scotti, namely that many not only abandon their own wives but even sell them, by every means. For we wish you to be sustained by this apostolic authority, so that you may punish with severe correction not only this crime among the Scotti but also among others, if you shall have learned that such exist on the island of the Angli, and do not delay to root up with a prudent implement of correction the root of so great an evil.

2 (1073, dopo il 12 luglio)

2 (1073, after 12 July)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei clericis monachis ac religiosis laycis disciplinam sancte recordationis Iohannis Gualberti abbatis imitantibus salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

gregory bishop, servant of the servants of god, to the clerics, monks, and religious laity imitating the discipline of the holy memory john gualbert, abbot, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Licet uenerande memorie eundem Iohannem patrem uestrum corporeis oculis non uiderimus, quia tamen fidei eius puritas in Tuscie partibus mirabiliter resplenduit multo cum amore dileximus. Cuius sancte conuersationis quamuis uos imitatores esse non ambigamus, ut uigor rectitudinis uestre ad extirpandam de agro dominico zizaniam sollicitius inuigilet attentiusque ferueat paterne uobis exhortationis uerba impendimus. Vos itaque dilectissimi in quantum humana possibilitas permittit uitam illius sequentes et uere filios eius et heredes simili uos conuersatione probantes, uiriliter agite et confortamini in Domino et in potentia uirtutis eius.

Although of venerable memory we have not seen that same John your father with bodily eyes, yet because the purity of his faith shone wondrously in the parts of Tuscany we loved him with much affection. Of whose holy conduct, although we do not doubt that you are imitators, that the vigour of your rectitude may more solicitously watch and more eagerly burn to extirpate the darnel from the lord's field, we bestow upon you words of paternal exhortation. Therefore you, most beloved, insofar as human possibility permits, following his life and truly proving yourselves his sons and heirs by like conduct, act manfully and be strengthened in the Lord and in the power of his virtue.

Documenta sanctarum scripturarum, quibus hereticorum argumenta destruuntur et fides sancte ecclesie defenditur contra membra diaboli que diuersis machinationibus christianam religionem conantur euertere, mens uestra cotidie meditetur et ea qua solet libertate in malorum confusione erigatur. Eos uero qui in uobis confidunt et consilium religionis uestre sequi disponunt more predicti patris uestri suscipite, et de his que ad salutem eorum pertinere uidentur sanctis exhortationibus instruite, ut non solum uestra sed et uos sequentium circumpositi populi considerantes sancta opera glorificent patrem uestrum qui in celis est. Nos autem ipsum amorem quem patri uestro et uobis olim impendimus donec nostros spiritus rexit artus exhibere desideramus, et tanto quidem deinceps maiori uos caritate fouebimus quanto uos in diuinis negotiis feruentiores esse probabimus, quibus non solum spirituale sed et seculare, si necesse fuerit, auxilium Deo adiuuante ministrabimus.

The documents of the holy Scriptures, by which the arguments of heretics are destroyed and the faith of the holy Church is defended against the members of the devil who by diverse machinations seek to overturn the Christian religion, may your mind daily meditate upon them and be, by that freedom to which it is accustomed, raised up amid the confusion of evils. But those who trust in you and determine to follow the counsel of your religion, receive in the manner of the aforesaid father of yours, and instruct with holy exhortations concerning those things which seem to pertain to their salvation, so that not only you but also the holy works of the people placed about you and of those who follow you, considering them, may glorify your father who is in heaven. We, however, desire to show forth the very love which we once poured out upon your father and upon you, so long as our spirit governed our limbs, and henceforth we will cherish you with an even greater affection in proportion as we find you more fervent in divine affairs, to whom we will minister not only spiritual but also secular aid, if it should be necessary, with God assisting.

Vos igitur omnipotentem Dominum exorate, ut ipse uires et facultates nobis tribuat, quatinus suscepti regiminis importabile pondus possimus tollerare et sanctam ecclesiam in statum antique religionis reducere. Valete.

Therefore pray to the omnipotent Lord, that he himself may grant us strength and faculties, that we may be able to bear the burdensome weight of the undertaken regimen and restore the holy church to the state of ancient religion. Farewell.

3 (1074, dopo il 9 marzo)

3 (1074, after 9 March)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. Turonensi archiepiscopo.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R., archbishop of Tours.

Apostolicae sedis benedictionem tibi libenter mandaremus, nisi excommunicato Fulconi Andegauensi comiti te communicasse grauiter doleremus. Et quia in Romana synodo haec sunt relata et probabiliter enarrata, ab uniuerso sacri concilii coetu est laudatum ut, quoniam ab apostolica sede anathematizato adherere non timuisti, uerum etiam diuina illi misteria celebrare praesumpsisti, canonicae ultionis gladius in te deberet uibrari et depositionis sententia rite posset depromi. Sed interuenientibus carissimi fidelis nostri Astonis marchionis precibus hoc ad praesens distulimus et inducias tibi satisfaciendi usque ad proximam Omnium Sanctorum futuram festiuitatem concessimus.

We would willingly entrust to you the blessing of the Apostolic See, were it not that we grievously lament that you have associated with the excommunicate Fulco, Count of Anjou. And because these things have been reported and plausibly set forth at the Roman synod, it has been commended by the whole assembly of the sacred council that, since you did not fear to adhere to one anathematized by the Apostolic See, and indeed presumed even to celebrate divine mysteries for him, the sword of canonical vengeance ought to be wielded against you and a sentence of deposition might rightly be produced. But, the prayers of our most dear faithful Marquess Aston intervening, we have deferred this for the present and granted you a respite to make satisfaction until the next forthcoming feast of All Saints.

Quapropter fraternitatem tuam monemus ut ad hunc terminum uenire non dimittat ne, quod absit, nos in se quod non optamus depromere cogat.

Therefore we admonish your fraternity that you do not permit him to come to this end, lest, God forbid, he compel us to bring forth against him that which we do not wish.

4 (1074, aprile)

4 (1074, april)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei clero et populo Matisconensis ecclesiae salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregorius bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the clergy and people of the church of Matisconensis, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Quanta sit erga uos et locum uestrum apostolicae sedis beneuolentia ex amore quem in episcopum uestrum habemus cognoscere datur, qui episcopalis officii benedictionem et dignitatem per impositionem manuum nostrarum, auctore Deo, suscepisse dignoscitur. Caeterum ut ordinationis suae certa demonstrare possit indicia, sicut oportere cognouimus cum litteris nostris et apostolico sigillo eum ad uos remisimus, ammonentes uos et apostolica auctoritate praecipientes ut eum omni dilectione et gaudio recipientes unanimiter honoretis, et reuerentiam quae patri debetur et episcopo fideli obedientia ac deuota subiectione sibi exhibeatis, attendentes dominica uerba: "Qui uos audit me audit, et qui uos spernit me spernit." Tanto enim laetioribus animis hunc suscipere, uenerari, timere, debetis ac diligere, quanto eum ab omni simoniaca ambitione purum et incontaminatum, nec aliunde quam per ostium ad custodiam animarum uestrarum in ecclesiam introisse et episcopalis uigilantiae speculam constat ascendisse. Proinde nos multum uobis congaudentes rogamus et ammonemus dilectionem uestram quatenus ad regendam sibi commissam ecclesiam eiusque iura conseruanda, et ubi opus fuerit recuperanda, quantum ualetis consilium sibi et adiutorium praebeatis, et in omnibus quae ad christianam religionem pertinent eius ammonitionibus acquiescatis, scientes sibi ac uobis et ecclesiae cuius in Christo spiritales filii estis apostolica suffragia, quantum Deo praestante possumus, ad libertatem fidei uestrae et nostram profectumque salutis ubique prompta atque parata fore.

How great is the apostolic goodwill toward you and your place may be known from the love which we have for your bishop, who is recognized to have received the blessing and dignity of the episcopal office by the imposition of our hands, God being the author. Moreover, that he may demonstrate certain tokens of his ordination, as we have deemed proper, we have sent him back to you with our letters and the apostolic seal, admonishing you and by apostolic authority commanding that, receiving him with all affection and joy, you unanimously honor him, and show the reverence due to a father and to a bishop faithful by obedience and devoted subjection, heeding the Lord’s words: "He who hears you hears me, and he who despises you despises me." For you ought to receive, venerate, fear, and love him all the more, insofar as it is evident that he is clear of all simoniacal ambition and undefiled, and that he entered the church for the custody of your souls by no other door and has ascended the watch-tower of episcopal vigilance. Therefore, rejoicing greatly with you, we ask and admonish your affection so far as to afford him counsel and aid as much as you are able for ruling the church committed to him and for preserving its rights, and where needful for recovering them, and in all things that pertain to the Christian religion to yield to his admonitions, knowing that to him and to you and to the church of which you are spiritual sons in Christ apostolic support, so far as by God's assistance we can, will everywhere be prompt and ready for the freedom of your faith and our progress and salvation.

5 (1074, dopo il 16 dicembre)

5 (1074, after 16 December)

Quanta sit mihi meditatio quantumque desiderium mare transeundi, ut christianis qui more pecudum a paganis occiduntur Christo fauente ualeam succurrere, erubesco quibusdam dicere ne uidear aliqua duci leuitate. Sed tibi, o charissima plena dilectione filia, nil horum dubito indicare, de cuius prudentiae studio quantum possim praesumere tu ipsa uix poteris exprimere. Quapropter uisis super hac re nostris literis quas mitto ultramontanis, si quid potes adhibere consilium immo creatori tuo adiutorium summopere procura, quia si pulchrum est, ut quidam dicunt, pro patria mori, pulcherrimum est ac ualde gloriosum carnem morticinam pro Christo dare, qui est aeterna uita.

How great is my meditation and how great the desire to cross the sea, that I may, Christ favoring, be able to come to the aid of Christians who are slain by pagans in the manner of sheep; I blush to tell some things, lest I seem to be led by any levity. But to you, O most dear daughter full of affection, I do not hesitate to indicate any of these things, of whose zeal for prudence how much I may presume you yourself will hardly be able to express. Therefore, since you have seen in our letters which I send to those beyond the mountains about this matter, if you can apply any counsel — nay, most earnestly procure assistance for your Creator — do so; for if it is beautiful, as some say, to die for one’s country, it is most beautiful and very glorious to give one’s mortal flesh for Christ, who is eternal life.

Credo enim multos milites in tali labore nobis fauere, ipsam etiam nostram imperatricem nobiscum ad illas partes uelle uenire teque secum ducere, matre tua in partibus his relicta pro tuendis rebus communibus; quia sic tute Christo iuuante possemus abire. Proinde praedicta imperatrix causa orationis ueniens multos ad hoc opus una tecum posset animare. Ego autem talibus ornatus sororibus libentissime mare transirem ut animam meam, si oporteret, uobiscum pro Christo ponerem, quas mihi semper cupio in aeterna patria adherere.

I believe that many soldiers favor us in such labour, and that even our own empress wishes to come with us to those parts and to lead you with her, your mother being left in these parts for the guarding of common affairs; for thus, with you aided by Christ, we could set out. Therefore the aforesaid empress, coming for the sake of prayer, would be able to inspire many to this work together with you. But I, adorned with such sisters, would most willingly cross the sea so that I might, if it were necessary, lay down my life with you for Christ, to whom I always desire to adhere in the eternal homeland.

Quid super hac re et de tuo aduentu Romam tibi uideatur, citissime procura rescribere. Quam Dominus omnipotens de uirtute in uirtutem ducendo dignetur benedicere, ut uniuersalis mater longo tempore de te possit gaudere.

What concerning this matter and about your arrival to Rome seems to you, very promptly see that you write back. May the Almighty Lord, deigning to lead from virtue to virtue, vouchsafe to bless, so that the universal mother may for a long time be able to rejoice in you.

6 (1075, febbraio)

6 (1075, February)

G. seruus seruorum Dei Mogontino archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. servant of the servants of God to the Mogontine archbishop, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Cum apostolica auctoritate et ueridicis sanctorum patrum sententiis incitati ad eliminandam simoniacam heresim et praecipiendam clericorum castitatem pro nostri officii debito exarsimus, tibi cui est clerus et populus amplissime dilatatus, cui praeterea plures et late dispersi suffraganei sunt, hoc obedientiae munus iniungere decreuimus, ut tam per te quam per coadiutores tuos hoc Romanae ecclesiae decretum uniuerso clero studiosius inculcares et inuiolabiter tenendum proponeres. Qua de re tibi etiam speciales litteras cudere bulla nostra impressas collibuit, quarum fultus auctoritate tucius animosiusque praeceptis nostris obtemperes et de sanctuario Domini simoniacam heresim et fedam libidinosae contagionis pollutionem expellas. Vnde non ab re tibi scribendum fore arbitrati sumus, nos iuxta auctoritatem sanctorum patrum in nostra synodo sententiam dedisse, ut hi qui per symoniacam heresim, hoc est interuentu precii, ad aliquem sacrorum ordinum gradum uel officium promoti sunt, nullum in sancta ecclesia ulterius locum ministrandi habeant; illi quoque qui ecclesias datione pecuniae obtinent omnino eas perdant, ne deinceps uendere aut emere alicui liceat; sed nec illi qui in crimine fornicationis iacent missas celebrare aut secundum inferiores ordines ministrare altari debeant.

With apostolic authority and urged by the veridical sentences of the holy fathers to eradicate the heresy of simony and to enjoin the chastity of clerics, and, for the duty of our office, having been inflamed, to you to whom the clergy and people are most widely extended, to whom moreover many and broadly dispersed suffragans belong, we have decreed to impose this duty of obedience, that both by you and by your coadjutors you should more zealously inculcate this decree of the Roman Church upon the whole clergy and propose it to be kept inviolate. Wherefore it has also pleased us to strike out for you special letters printed with our seal, by the support of which, with authority, you may more boldly and spiritedly obey our precepts and expel from the sanctuary of the Lord the heresy of simony and the foul pollution of lustful contagion. Whence, thinking it would not be proper to write to you on the matter, we, according to the authority of the holy fathers in our synod, have given the sentence that those who by the simoniacal heresy, that is by the intervention of price, have been promoted to any degree or office of the sacred orders shall have no further place of ministering in the holy Church; and those also who obtain churches by giving money shall altogether lose them, so that henceforth it shall not be permitted to sell or buy them to anyone; nor shall those who lie in the crime of fornication be permitted to celebrate Masses or, according to the inferior orders, minister at the altar.

Statuimus etiam ut si ipsi contemptores fuerint nostrarum immo sanctorum patrum constitutionum, populus nullo modo eorum officia recipiat, ut qui pro amore Dei et officii dignitate non corriguntur uerecundia saeculi et obiurgatione populi resipiscant. Studeat ergo fraternitas tua sic se in his rebus nobis cooperatricem exhibere, sic crimina ista de ecclesiis tuis radicitus euellere, quatinus boni pastoris meritum apud Deum ualeas obtinere et Romana ecclesia de te sicut de karissimo fratre et studioso cooperatore debeat gaudere.

We have also decreed that if they themselves shall have been contemners of our—nay, of the holy fathers’—constitutions, the people in no wise shall receive their offices, so that those who for the love of God and the dignity of the office are not corrected may be brought to repentance by worldly shame and by the rebuke of the people. Let your fraternity therefore strive to show itself to us thus a cooperating partner in these matters, thus to uproot those crimes from your churches root and branch, that you may be able to obtain the merit of a good pastor before God, and that the Roman Church may rejoice in you as in a most dear brother and a diligent cooperator.

7 (1075, febbraio)

7 (1075, February)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei Magdaburgensi archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the Archbishop of Magdeburg, greeting and apostolic blessing.

8 (1075, febbraio-marzo)

8 (1075, February–March)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri Ottoni Constantiensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother Otto, bishop of Constance, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Instantia nuntiorum tuorum festinanter redire uolentium non permisit nos fraternitati tue que in Romana synodo constituta sunt seriatim intimare. Hec tantum necessario tibi scribenda fore arbitrati sumus, nos iuxta auctoritatem sanctorum patrum in eadem synodo sententiam dedisse, ut hi qui per symoniacam heresim, hoc est interuentu precii, ad aliquem sacrorum ordinum gradum uel officium promoti sunt, nullum in sancta ecclesia ulterius ministrandi locum habeant; illi quoque qui ecclesias datione pecunie obtinent omnino eas perdant, nec deinceps uendere aut emere alicui liceat; sed nec illi qui in crimine fornicationis iacent missas celebrare aut secundum inferiores ordines ministrare altari debeant. Statuimus etiam ut si ipsi contemptores fuerint nostrarum immo sanctorum patrum constitutionum, populus nullomodo eorum officia recipiat ut qui pro amore Dei et officii dignitate non corriguntur, uerecundia seculi et obiurgatione populi resipiscant.

The urgency of your messengers wishing to return quickly did not permit us to inform in order your fraternity which is constituted in the Roman synod. We judged that only these things necessarily ought to be written to you: that, according to the authority of the holy fathers in the same synod, we have given the sentence that those who by the simoniacal heresy, that is by the intervention of price, have been promoted to any grade or office of the sacred orders, shall have no further place of ministry in the holy Church; also those who obtain churches by the giving of money shall utterly lose them, nor shall it be permitted henceforth to sell or buy them to anyone; nor shall those who lie in the crime of fornication be obliged to celebrate Masses or to minister at the altar according to the lower orders. We have also decreed that if they themselves shall be contemptuous of our constitutions, yea of the constitutions of the holy fathers, the people in no wise receive their offices, so that those who are not corrected for the love of God and the dignity of office may be brought to repentance by worldly shame and the rebuke of the people.

Studeat igitur fraternitas tua sic se in his nobis cooperatricem exhibere, sic crimina ista radicitus de ecclesiis tuis euellere, quatinus boni pastoris meritum apud Deum ualeas obtinere et Romana ecclesia de te sicut de karissimo fratre et studioso cooperatore debeat gaudere.

Therefore let your fraternity strive to show itself to us as such a helper in these matters, to root out these crimes utterly from your churches, so that you may obtain the reward of a good shepherd before God, and the Roman Church may rejoice in you as in a most dear brother and zealous cooperator.

9 (1075)

Gregorius seruus seruorum Dei Ottoni Constantiensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, servant of the servants of God, to Otto, bishop of Constance, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Perlatum est ad nos de fraternitate tua quod satis inuitus et mestus audiui quodque, si uel de extremo christiane plebis membro ad audientiam nostram deferretur, seueriore districtioris discipline censura esset proculdubio castigandum. Cum enim, apostolica auctoritate et ueridicis sanctorum patrum sententiis incitati, ad eliminandam symoniacam heresim et precipiendam clericorum castitatem pro nostri officii debito exarsimus, Mogontino uenerabili archiepiscopo confratri nostro, cui plures et late dispersi suffraganei sunt, hoc obedientie munus iniunximus, ut tam per se quam per coadiutores suos hoc Romane ecclesie decretum uniuerso clero studiosius inconculcaret et inuiolabiliter tenendum proponeret. Tibi quoque, cui plurimus Constantiensis episcopii clerus et populus amplissime dilatatus, ob eandem causam speciales litteras cudere bulla nostra impressas collibuit, quarum fultus auctoritate tutius animosiusque preceptis nostris obtemperares et de sanctuario Domini symoniacam heresim et fedam libidinose contagionis pollutionem expelleres.

It has been brought to us concerning your fraternity that I heard, rather unwillingly and sorrowfully, and that, if even from the lowest member of the Christian people it were brought to our audience, he would without doubt be subject to correction by the sterner punishment of stricter discipline. For when, urged by apostolic authority and the truthful judgments of the holy fathers, we have set ourselves aflame, by duty of our office, to eliminate the simoniacal heresy and to enjoin the chastity of clerics, we imposed this office of obedience on the venerable archbishop of Mainz, our confrere, to whom many and widely dispersed suffragans belong, that both by himself and by his coadjutors he should more diligently press this decree of the Roman church upon the whole clergy and propose it to be held inviolate. To you also, to whom the clergy and people of the church of Constance are very largely extended, it has pleased us to send special letters impressed with our seal for the same cause, by the authority of which you should more safely and more boldly obey our precepts and expel from the Lord’s sanctuary the simoniacal heresy and the foul, lustful contagion of pollution.

Apostolica namque beati Pauli prepollet auctoritas qua, fornicatores et adulteros cum ceteris sceleratis connumerans, diffinitam sue iussionis sententiam subicit: "cum eiusmodi nec cibum capere". Preterea uniuersus catholice ecclesie cetus aut uirgines sunt aut continentes aut coniuges. Quicumque ergo extra hos tres ordines reperitur, inter filios ecclesie siue intra christiane religionis limites non numeratur. Vnde et nos, si uel extremum laicum pelicatui adherentem liquido cognouerimus, hunc uelut precisum a corpore dominico membrum donec peniteat condigne a sacramentis altaris arcemus.

For the apostolic authority of blessed Paul indeed prevails, who, reckoning fornicators and adulterers with other wicked men, lays down the definite sentence of his command: "such persons shall not even receive food." Moreover the entire body of the Catholic Church is either virgins or continent persons or spouses. Therefore whoever is found outside these three orders is not numbered among the children of the Church nor within the limits of the Christian religion. Wherefore we also, if even the most obscure layman is plainly known to adhere to concubinage, shall, as to a member cut off from the Lord’s body, withhold him from the sacraments of the altar until he hath duly repented.

Quomodo ergo sanctorum sacramentorum distributor uel minister esse debet, qui nulla ratione potest esse uel particeps ? Sed illa beati pape Leonis nos impulit auctoritas, qui subdiaconis ineundit conubii licentiam prorsus abstulit; quod decretum beati pape Leonis posteriores sancte Romane ecclesie pontifices, maxime doctor eximius Gregorius, ita pro lege sanxerunt ut deinceps tribus his ordinibus ecclesiasticis, sacerdotibus leuitis et subdiaconibus, uincula coniugalia omnino sint prohibita. Cum autem hec omnia tibi obseruanda pastorali prouidentia transmitteremus, tu, non sursum cor sed deorsum in terra ponens, predictis ordinibus frena libidinis, sicut accepimus, laxasti, ut qui mulierculis se iunxerant in flagitio persisterent, et qui necdum duxerant tua interdicta non timerent. O impudentiam, o audaciam singularem, uidelicet episcopum sedis apostolice decreta contempnere, precepta sanctorum patrum conuellere, immo uero preceptis contraria ac fidei christiane repugnantia de superiori loco et de cathedra pontificali subiectis ingerere.

How then ought he to be distributor or minister of the holy sacraments who in no way can be a participant? But the authority of the blessed Pope Leo urged this upon us, who utterly removed from subdeacons the license to enter into marriage; which decree of the blessed Pope Leo later pontiffs of the holy Roman Church, most especially the eminent doctor Gregory, so enacted as law that henceforth to these three ecclesiastical orders — priests, lectors, and subdeacons — marital bonds should be altogether prohibited. And when we transmitted all these things to you to be observed with pastoral providence, you, placing not your heart upward but downward to the earth, loosened, as we have heard, the reins of lust for the aforesaid orders, so that those who had joined themselves to women in disgrace persisted, and those who had not yet taken wives did not fear your interdictions. O impudence, O singular audacity, namely for a bishop to contemn the decrees of the apostolic seat, to tear away the precepts of the holy fathers, yea rather to thrust down from on high and from the pontifical chair upon those subject things contrary to the precepts and repugnant to the Christian faith.

Quapropter tibi apostolica auctoritate precipimus, ut ad proximam synodum nostram prima ebdomada quadragesime te presentem exhibeas, tam de hac inobedientia et sedis apostolice contemptu quam de omnibus que tibi obiciuntur canonice responsurus.

Wherefore we command you by apostolic authority that you present yourself in person at our next synod in the first week of Lent, to answer canonically both concerning this disobedience and the contempt of the Apostolic See and concerning all things that are alleged against you.

10 (1075)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei clericis et laicis, maioribus et minoribus, in Constantiensi episcopatu consistentibus, christianam legem diligentibus, salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the clerics and laity, the greater and the lesser, standing in the episcopate of Constance, diligently observing the Christian law, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Misimus fratri nostro episcopo uestro Ottoni litteras exhortatorias, per quas pro nostri necessitate officii apostolica auctoritate iniunximus illi ut symoniacam heresim de ecclesia sua penitus excluderet et castitatem clericorum studiose predicandam susciperet et firmiter tenendam episcopali uigilantia inculcaret. Nam sic eam nobis euangelice et apostolice littere, autenticarum synodorum decreta et eximiorum doctorum precepta insinuant, ut eam dissimulare et negligere sine magno anime nostre et populi christiani detrimento non possimus. Sed episcopus uester neque beati Petri reuerentia precepti neque officii sui sollicitudine attractus, ut nobis relatum est, que paterne suaseramus perficere curauit, et, ut non solum inobedientie uerum etiam rebellionis offensam contraheret, quemadmodum accepimus, palam clericis suis iussioni nostre immo beati Petri omnino contraria permisit ita ut qui mulierculas habuerant retinerent et qui non habebant illicita temeritate subintroducerent.

We have sent exhortatory letters to our brother, your bishop Otto, by which, for the necessity of our office and by apostolic authority, we enjoined him to root out utterly from his church the simoniacal heresy and to undertake with zeal the preaching of clerical chastity and to inculcate that it be firmly held by episcopal vigilance. For thus do evangelical and apostolic letters, the decrees of authentic synods, and the precepts of eminent doctors admonish us, so that we cannot conceal or neglect it without great harm to our soul and to the Christian people. But your bishop, neither moved by reverence for blessed Peter’s precept nor by solicitude for his office, as has been reported to us, took care to accomplish what we had fatherly advised; and, so that he incurred not only the guilt of disobedience but even the offense of rebellion, as we have learned, he openly allowed his clerics things altogether contrary to our command and indeed to blessed Peter’s, so that those who had concubines retained them, and those who did not have them rashly introduced illicit ones.

Quod ut audiuimus moleste ferentes, secundam ei scripsimus epistolam, indignationis ei nostre motus ostendentes et idem preceptum iterato acrius inculcantes, quin etiam ipsum ad synodum Romanam que prima proxime quadragesime ebdomada futura est aduocauimus, ut pro se rationem reddat et inobedientie causas, si rationabiles habuerit, in audientia totius conuentus exponat. Hec ideo, filii karissimi, uobis innotescimus ut anime uestre saluti consulamus. Si enim beato Petro et sancte sedi apostolice fronte aperta repugnans et contumax esse uoluerit, liquido manifestum est quia qui matrem uel patrem inhonorat nullam a fidelibus patris et matris filiis iure obedientiam exigere aut querere debeat.

Since we heard this and bore it with pain, we wrote to him a second letter, setting forth the movement of our indignation and pressing the same precept more sharply a second time; furthermore we summoned him to the Roman synod which is to be held next in the first week of Lent, that he may give account for himself and, if he has reasonable causes of disobedience, set them forth in the hearing of the whole council. These things, therefore, dearest sons, we make known to you so that we may provide for the salvation of your souls. For if he wishes to be openly opposed to blessed Peter and to the holy apostolic see and to be contumacious, it is plainly manifest that he who dishonors mother or father ought not to demand or seek any obedience by right from the faithful, the sons of father and mother.

Indignum est enim ut qui magistro detrectat subesse, magister auditoribus postulet preesse. Quapropter omnibus, sicut prediximus, maioribus atque minoribus Deo et beato Petro adherentibus apostolica auctoritate precipimus, si in obduratione sua persistere uoluerit, nullam ei obedientie reuerentiam exhibeatis. Neque id anime uestre perniciem esse putetis.

For it is unseemly that he who refuses to submit to his master should demand that the master preside over the auditors. Wherefore to all, as we have said, both greater and lesser, adhering to God and to blessed Peter, by apostolic authority we enjoin that, if he will persist in his obduracy, you show him no reverence of obedience. Nor suppose that this will be the perdition of your soul.

Nam si, ut totiens iam prediximus, preceptis apostolicis uoluerit esse contrarius, ab omni illius subiectionis iugo beati Petri auctoritate absoluimus ita ut, si etiam sacramenti obligatione quilibet ei fuerit obstrictus, quam diu Deo omnipotenti et sedi apostolice rebellis extiterit, nulla ei fidelitatis exhibitione fiat obnoxius. Non enim cuilibet persone contra creatorem suum, qui cunctis preponendus est, aliquis debet obedire, sed debemus contra Deum superbienti resistere ut, saltem hac necessitate coactus, ad uiam iusticie addiscat redire. Quanti enim periculi quanteque a christiana lege sit alienationis obedientiam maxime apostolice sedi non exhibere, ex dictis beati Samuelis prophete potestis cognoscere, que sanctissimus papa Gregorius in ultimo libro Moralium procurauit exponere.

For if, as we have already so often forewarned, he should wish to be contrary to apostolic precepts, by the authority of blessed Peter we absolve you from every yoke of his subjection, so that, even if anyone should be bound to him by the obligation of a sacrament, so long as he remains rebellious to Almighty God and to the apostolic see, he shall not be held bound by any exhibition of fidelity. For no one ought to obey any person against his Creator, who must be placed before all, but we must resist the proud against God so that, at least compelled by this necessity, he may learn to return to the way of justice. How great the danger and how great the alienation from Christian law it is not to show obedience especially to the apostolic see, you can discern from the words of the blessed prophet Samuel, which the most holy Pope Gregory took pains to set forth in the last book of the Morals.

Vt autem ea sint nobis in promptu, scripta transmisimus, quatinus indubitanter sciatis nos uobis nouam non dicere sed antiquam sanctorum patrum doctrinam propalare: Hinc Samuel ait: "Melior est obedientia quam uictime, et auscultare magis quam offerre adypem arietum; quoniam quasi peccatum ariolandi est repugnare, et quasi scelus ydolatrie nolle acquiescere". Obedientia quippe uictimis iure preponitur, quia per uictimas aliena caro, per obedientiam uero uoluntas propria mactatur. Tanto igitur quisque Deum citius placat quanto ante eius oculos, repressa arbitrii sua superbia, gladio precepti se immolat. Quo contra ariolandi peccatum inobedientia dicitur ut quanta sit uirtus obedientie demonstretur.

Vt autem ea sint nobis in promptu, scripta transmisimus, quatinus indubitanter sciatis nos uobis nouam non dicere sed antiquam sanctorum patrum doctrinam propalare: Hinc Samuel ait: "Melior est obedientia quam uictime, et auscultare magis quam offerre adypem arietum; quoniam quasi peccatum ariolandi est repugnare, et quasi scelus ydolatrie nolle acquiescere." Obedientia quippe uictimis iure preponitur, quia per uictimas aliena caro, per obedientiam uero uoluntas propria mactatur. Tanto igitur quisque Deum citius placat quanto ante eius oculos, repressa arbitrii sua superbia, gladio precepti se immolat. Quo contra ariolandi peccatum inobedientia dicitur ut quanta sit uirtus obedientie demonstretur.

Ex aduerso igitur melius ostenditur quid de eius laude sentiatur. Si enim "quasi ariolandi peccatum est repugnare et quasi scelus ydolatrie nolle acquiescere", sola est que fidei meritum possidet, qua sine quisque conuincitur infidelis, etiam si fidelis esse uideatur.

On the contrary, therefore, it is shown more clearly what is thought concerning its praise. For if "to resist is as the sin of divination and not to assent is as the crime of idolatry," only that thing possesses the merit of faith, without which any one is convicted as unfaithful, even if he seems to be faithful.

11 (1075)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus clericis et laicis in regno Teutonicorum constitutis salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all clerics and
laity established in the kingdom of the Teutons, health and apostolic
blessing.

Audiuimus quod quidam episcoporum apud uos commorantium ut sacerdotes et diaconi et subdiaconi mulieribus commisceantur aut consentiant aut negligant. His precipimus uos nullomodo obedire uel illorum preceptis consentire, sicut ipsi apostolice sedis preceptis non obediunt neque auctoritati sanctorum patrum consentiunt. Testante diuina scriptura, facientes et consentientes par pena complectitur.

We have heard that certain of the bishops dwelling among you that priests and deacons and subdeacons mingle with women, or consent or neglect. To these we enjoin you in no wise to obey or to consent to their precepts, as they themselves do not obey the precepts of the apostolic see nor consent to the authority of the holy fathers. With divine Scripture witnessing, those who do and those who consent are encompassed by the same penalty.

Omnipotens et misericors Deus, qui ultra spem, qui ultra meritum miscretur et consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra, aperiat cor uestrum in lege sua et confirmet uos in preceptis suis ut, auctoritate beati Petri a cunctis peccatis absolutos, uos ad celeste regnum perducat regnaturos. Amen.

Almighty and merciful God, who beyond hope, who beyond merit shows mercy and consoles us in all our tribulation, may he open your heart to his law and strengthen you in his precepts so that, by the authority of blessed Peter, you, absolved from all sins, may be led to the heavenly kingdom to reign. Amen.

12 (1075)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus abbatibus et praelatis tam monachorum quam et canonicorum per Gallias constitutis salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all abbots and
prelates, both of monks and of canons, established throughout the Gauls,
greeting and apostolic blessing.

Fraternitatem uestram, dilectissimi fratres, latere minime credimus quasdam aecclesiarum uestrarum beato Petro et nobis annuos census persoluere ex praecedentium patrum institutionibus debere. Sed quia quidam uestrum partim neglegentia partim uero tenaci induratione haec hactenus minus plene quam oporteret egerunt, hos ut emendari et debita soluere studeant, omnes autem ut apostolico praecepto: "Cui uectigal uectigal, cui tributum tributum", optemperetis commonemus. Vnusquisque enim non quod suum est sed quod alterius querat, quoniam si digne redarguitur qui prout oportet propria non largitur, qua sententia dignus est qui nec aliena rapere nec debita metuit retinere, dicente Domino: "Quae uultis ut faciant uobis, haec facite et uos illis", et: "Quod tibi non uis, alii non feceris." Nunc igitur, quia dilectum filium nostrum Hugonem Diensem episcopum ob ecclesiasticae utilitatis diuersa negotia in Gallias uices nostras exequuturum mittimus, et quia nemini potius credere debemus quem in omnibus a nobis sibi iniunctis fideliter egisse comperimus, quae nobis ex ecclesiis uestris specialiter debetis uos illi ad nos perferenda persoluere ac de retentis satisfacere iubemus.

We least of all believe that your fraternity, most beloved brothers, is ignorant that certain annual dues from your churches ought to be paid to Blessed Peter and to us from the institutions of our predecessors. But because some of you, partly through negligence and partly through stubborn obdurateness, have hitherto discharged these things less fully than ought to have been done, we admonish you all that these men be corrected and strive to pay what is due, and that everyone obey the apostolic precept: "To whom tolls, toll; to whom tribute, tribute." For let each one seek not what is his own but what is another’s, since if one is rightly reproved who does not distribute his own according to duty, by what judgment is he worthy who neither dares to seize another’s nor fears to retain what is owed, the Lord saying: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them," and: "What thou wilt not that to thee be done, do not unto others." Now therefore, because we send our beloved son Hugo, Bishop of Die, to execute in Gaul our affairs concerning various needs of ecclesiastical utility, and because we ought to trust no one more than him whom we have found to have faithfully performed in all things what we imposed upon him, we order that whatever you specially owe us from your churches be paid to him to bring to us, and that he be satisfied from what has been retained.

13 (1076, marzo-luglio)

13 (1076, March–July)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei fratri et coepiscopo Tridentino Heinrico salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to his brother and co-bishop of Trent, Heinrich, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Miramur fraternitatis tue prudentiam uerba nostra neglexisse ut secundum ea nullum decreueris dare responsum, maxime cum post sinodalem sententiam in Heinricum regem prolatam dilectio tua minime differre debuerit. Ad cuius nimirum sententie promulgationem nos iusticie zelo impulsos et non aliqua commotione iniurie concitatos manum exercuisse neque sollertiam tuam ignorare neque aliquem sane mentis hominem putamus posse ambigere. Quod tamen si in dubium cuiquam deueniret, constat eius rei rationem prius ex nobis fore scrutandam quam in illum preiudicium factum temere esse credendum.

We marvel at the prudence of your fraternity that our words have been neglected so that according to them you have decreed to give no answer, especially since after the synodal sentence pronounced against King Henry your affection ought in no way to have differed. Concerning the promulgation of that sentence, we, urged by zeal of justice and not stirred by any agitation of wrong, put forth our hand, nor do we fail to recognize your prudence, nor do we think any man of sound mind can doubt it. But if this should come into doubt for anyone, it is agreed that the account of the matter must first be examined by us rather than that it be rashly believed a decision was made to his prejudice.

Verum utcumque sese opinio habeat factumue interpretetur, illud procul dubio clementia diuina sperantes promittimus: festum beati Petri non prius transeundum quam in cunctorum noticia certissime clareat illum iustissime esse excommunicatum. Et inde fraternitatem tuam uolumus atque monemus ut certos nos studeat facere utrum Deo an hominibus magis elegerit obedire utrumue iustitie obtemperando fidem Deo et sancte Romane ecclesie obseruare, quam filiis iniquitatis herendo conculcare censuerit. Rogamus etiam atque inuitamus ut ad seruicium beati Petri pro posse tuo milites mittere studeas, eosque si decreueris mittere Mathilde filie nostre notificare procures, cuius ope conducti securi possint ad nos et sine impedimento, fauente Domino, peruenire.

But however opinion may hold itself or the fact be interpreted, that we, trusting in divine clemency, without doubt promise: the feast of Blessed Peter is not to be passed until it shall most certainly and clearly appear to the knowledge of all that he has been most justly excommunicated. And therefore we wish and admonish your fraternity that you should strive to make certain to us whether he has chosen rather to obey God or men, or whether, by obeying justice, he has judged to keep faith to God and to the holy Roman Church, rather than to trample and crush the sons of iniquity. We also beg and invite that to the service of Blessed Peter you endeavor to send soldiers to the best of your power, and if you determine to send them, see that you notify Matilda our daughter, by whose aid, the troops being hired, they may safely be able to reach us and without impediment, the Lord favoring.

14 (1076, estate)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus episcopis ducibus comitibus ceterisque fidelibus in regno Theutonicorum christianam fidem defendentibus salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all bishops
dukes, counts, and other faithful in the kingdom of the Teutons
defending the Christian faith, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Audiuimus quosdam inter uos de excommunicatione quam in regem fecimus dubitare ac querere utrum iuste excommunicatus sit et si nostra sententia ex auctoritate legalis censure ea qua debuit deliberatione processerit. Quapropter qualiter ad excommunicandum illum adducti sumus, prout uerius potuimus teste consciencia nostra, oculis et intellectibus omnium patefacere curauimus, non tam ut singulas causas, que heu! nimium note sunt, quasi nostro clamore proiciamus in publicum, quam ut eorum opinionibus satisfaciamus qui putant nos spiritalem gladium temere et magis motu animi nostri quam diuino metu et iusticie zelo arripuisse.

We have heard that some among you doubt and ask concerning the excommunication which we made against the king whether he was justly excommunicated and whether our sentence proceeded from the authority of legal censure with that deliberation which was due. Wherefore how we were led to excommunicate him, as truly as we could, by the testimony of our conscience, we have taken care to lay open to the eyes and intellects of all, not so that we cast into the public by our outcry the individual causes, which, alas! are too well known, but that we might satisfy the opinions of those who think that we seized the spiritual sword rashly and rather by a motion of our mind than by divine fear and zeal for justice.

Cum adhuc in diaconatus officio positi essemus, perlata ad nos de regis actionibus sinistra et multa inhonesta fama, propter imperialem dignitatem et reuerentiam patris et matris eius necnon propter spem ac desiderium correctionis sue sepe eum per litteras et nuncios admonuimus ut a prauitate sua desisteret et, memor clarissimi generis ac dignitatis sue, uitam suam moribus quibus regem et futurum, Deo donante, imperatorem deceret institueret. Postquam autem ad pontificatus apicem licet indigni uenimus et illius etas pariter cresceret et iniquitas, intelligentes Deum omnipotentem tanto districtius de manu nostra animam illius requisiturum quanto nobis ad increpandum illum pre cunctis libertas data fuisset et auctoritas, multo sollicitius eum modis omnibus "arguendo obsecrando increpando" ad emendationem uite sue hortati sumus. Qui cum sepe nobis deuotas salutationes et litteras mitteret, excusans se tum ex etate quod fluxa esset et fragilis tum quod ab his in quorum manibus curia erat multociens sibi male suasum atque consultum sit, monita nostra de die in diem se promptissime suscepturum uerbis quidem promisit, ceterum re et exaggeratione culparum penitus conculcauit.

While we were still placed in the office of the diaconate, an ill-omened and much dishonorable report concerning the king’s actions was brought to us; because of the imperial dignity and the reverence due his father and mother, and also because of the hope and desire for his correction, we often admonished him by letters and envoys to desist from his depravity and, mindful of his most illustrious lineage and dignity, to fashion his life in manners fitting a king and, God willing, a future emperor. But when we, though unworthy, came to the summit of the pontificate, and both his years and his iniquity increased together, understanding that Almighty God would the more strictly require his soul from our hand inasmuch as freedom and authority had formerly been given to us to rebuke him, we with much greater anxiety by every means, “arguing, beseeching, reproving,” urged him to the amendment of his life. He, who often sent us dutiful salutations and letters, excused himself at one time on account of age, because it was waning and frail, and at another because those in whose hands the court lay had oft given him bad counsel and advice; he promised in words that he would most promptly accept our admonitions day by day, but in deed and by amplifying his faults he utterly trampled them underfoot.

Inter hec quosdam familiares suos, quorum consiliis et machinationibus episcopatus et multa monasteria inductis per precium lupis pro pastoribus symoniaca heresi fedauerat, ad penitentiam uocauimus, quatinus et bona ecclesiarum que per interuentum tam scelerati commercii sacrilega manu susceperant uenerabilibus locis ad que pertinerent, cum adhuc locus esset emendandi, redderent, et ipsi de perpetrata iniquitate per lamenta penitudinis Deo satisfacerent. Quos dum ad hec exequenda datas inducias spernere et in consueta nequicia pertinaciter stare cognouimus, sicut dignum erat sacrilegos et ministros ac membra diaboli a communione et corpore totius ecclesie separauimus, et regem ut eos a domo sua, a consiliis, et omni communione sua sicut excommunicatos expelleret admonuimus.

Among these we called some of his familiars to penance, men whose counsels and machinations, having induced the bishopric and many monasteries, by sale had delivered the Church into a simoniac heresy, selling for wolves instead of shepherds; that they should also restore the goods of the churches which by the intervention of that wicked commerce their sacrilegious hand had received to the venerable places to which they pertained, while there was yet opportunity for amendment, and that they themselves, by lamentations of penitence, should make satisfaction to God for the iniquity perpetrated. But when we learned that they spurned the respites granted for executing these things and pertinaciously persisted in their accustomed wickedness, as was fitting we separated the sacrilegious and ministers and members of the devil from the communion and body of the whole church, and we admonished the king to expel them from his house, from his councils, and from all his communion as if excommunicated.

Interim uero, ingrauescente contra regem Saxonum causa, cum uires et presidia regni ex maxima parte a se deficere uelle conspiceret, iterum direxit nobis epistolam supplicem et omni humilitate plenam, in qua omnipotenti Deo ac beato Petro ac nobis ualde se culpabilem reddens preces etiam obtulit ut quod ex culpa sua in ecclesiasticis causis contra canonicam iusticiam et decreta sanctorum patrum deliquisset, nostra apostolica prouidentia et auctoritate corrigere studeremus, atque in eo suam nobis per omnia obedientiam consensum et fidele promisit adiutorium. Hoc idem etiam postea a confratribus et legatis nostris Huberto Prenestino episcopo et Geraldo Ostiensi episcopo quos ad illum misimus ad penitentiam susceptus, in illorum manus per sacratas stolas quas in collo tenebant repromittendo confirmauit. Deinde post aliquot tempus commisso cum Saxonibus prelio rex pro uictoria quam adeptus est tales Deo grates et uictimas obtulit ut uota que de emendatione sua fecerat continuo frangeret, et nichil eorum que nobis promiserat attendens excommunicatos in suam familiaritatem et communionem reciperet et ecclesias in eam quam consueuerat confusionem traheret.

Meanwhile, however, the case against the king of the Saxons growing heavier, when he perceived that the forces and garrisons of the kingdom were for the most part failing him, he again directed to us a suppliant letter full of all humility, in which, rendering himself greatly culpable to Almighty God and to blessed Peter and to us, he also offered prayers that what by his fault he had fallen into in ecclesiastical causes against canonical justice and the decrees of the holy fathers we should seek to correct by our apostolic providence and authority, and in this he promised us his obedience, consent and faithful aid in all things. This same thing afterwards also, when having been received into penance, he confirmed by promising in the hands of our brothers and legates Hubert, bishop of Preneste, and Gerald, bishop of Ostia, whom we sent to him, in the sacramental stoles which they held about their necks. Then after some time, having joined battle with the Saxons, the king, for the victory he obtained, offered to God such thanks and victims that he immediately broke the vows which he had made concerning his amendment, and, attending to none of those things which he had promised us, received the excommunicated into his familiarity and communion and dragged the churches into that confusion to which he had been accustomed.

Qua de re graui dolore perculsi, quamquam post contempta celestis regis beneficia pene omnis spes correctionis eius nobis ablata sit, adhuc tamen animum eius temptandum fore decreuimus, magis cupientes eum apostolicam mansuetudinem audire quam experiri seueritatem. Itaque misimus ei commonitorias epistolas ut meminerit quid et cui promiserit, ne credat se posse fallere Deum cuius quanto prolixior est patientia tanto seuerior est cum iudicare ceperit ira, ne inhonoret Deum honorantem se, ne potentiam suam ad Dei contemptum et apostolicam temptet extendere contumeliam; sciens quoniam "superbis Deus resistit humilibus autem dat gratiam." Preterea misimus ad eum tres religiosos uiros, suos utique fideles, per quos eum secreto monuimus ut penitentiam ageret de sceleribus suis, que quidem horrenda dictu sunt pluribus autem nota et in multis partibus diuulgata; propter que eum non solum excommunicari usque ad condignam satisfactionem sed ab omni honore regni absque spe recuperationis debere destitui, diuinarum et humanarum legum testatur et iubet auctoritas. Postremo nisi excommunicatos a sua participatione diuideret nos nichil aliud de eo iudicare aut decerneret posse nisi quod, separatus ab ecclesia, in excommunicatorum consortio foret cum quibus ipse potius quam cum Christo partem habere delegeret.

Struck by grievous sorrow on that account, although after despising the benefactions of the heavenly king almost all hope of his correction has been taken from us, yet we determined still to try his spirit, more desiring that he should hear apostolic gentleness than that he should experience severity. Therefore we sent him admonitory letters that he remember what and to whom he had promised, lest he think he can deceive God — whose patience the longer it is, the more severe his wrath when he begins to judge — lest he dishonor God who honors him, lest he extend his power to the contempt of God and to the affront of the apostolic see; knowing that "God resists the proud, but to the humble he gives grace." Moreover we sent to him three religious men, his indeed faithful ones, through whom we secretly admonished him to do penance for his crimes, which are indeed dreadful to tell, and known by many and long divulged in many places; on account of which divine and human law testifies and commands that he ought to be not only excommunicated until due satisfaction is made but also deprived of every honor of the kingdom without hope of restoration. Finally, unless he should separate the excommunicated from his participation, we could judge or decree nothing else about him save that, being separated from the church, he would be in the company of excommunicates, with whom he had chosen rather than with Christ to have a part.

Sane si nostra monita suscipere et uitam suam corrigere uellet, testem Deum inuocauimus, et uocamus, quantum nos de eius salute et honore gauderemus, quanta caritate eum in gremio sancte ecclesie amplecteremur, utpote eum qui, princeps populi constitutus et amplissimi regni gubernacula tenens, catholice pacis et iustitie defensor esse deberet.

But if he were willing to receive our admonitions and to amend his life, we invoked God as witness, and call him to witness how much we would rejoice in his salvation and honour, how warmly with charity we would embrace him in the bosom of the holy Church — he who, appointed prince of the people and holding the reins of a very ample kingdom, ought to be the catholic defender of peace and justice.

Verum quanti ipse scripta aut per legatos missa nostra uerba fecerit eius facta declarant. Qui, indigne ferens se a quoquam reprehendi aut corripi, non solum a perpetratis criminibus reuocari ad emendationem non potuit sed, ampliori conscientie sue furore arreptus, non prius cessauit donec episcopos pene omnes in Italia, in Teutonicis uero partibus quodquod potuit, circa fidem Christi naufragare fecit, dum eos debitam beato Petro et apostolice sedi obedientiam et honorem a domino nostro Ihesu Christo concessum abnegare coegit.

But how much his writings or the words sent by our legates availed him his actions make clear. He, unworthily bearing to be reproved or corrected by anyone, not only could not be recalled to amendment from his committed crimes, but, seized by the madness of an overweening conscience, did not cease until he had caused nearly all the bishops in Italy, and in the Teutonic regions as far as he could, to be shipwrecked concerning the faith of Christ, while he forced them to deny the obedience and honor due to blessed Peter and the apostolic see, granted by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cum igitur iniquitatem eius ad summum prodisse uidimus, pro his uidelicet causis, primum quod ab eorum communione qui pro sacrilegio et reatu symoniace heresis excommunicati sunt se abstinere noluit, deinde quod pro criminosis actibus uite sue penitentiam non dico suscipere sed nec promittere uoluit, mentita ea fide quam in manus legatorum nostrorum promiserat, necnon quod corpus Christi id est unitatem sancte ecclesie scindere non expauit-pro his, inquam, culpis synodali eum iudicio excommunicauimus, ut quem mites non potuimus uel seueri ad uiam salutis Deo adiuuante reuocare ualeamus, aut si, quod absit, nec districtionis quidem censuram pertimuerit nostra saltem anima negligentie aut timoris discrimini non succumbat. Si quis igitur hanc sententiam iniuste uel irrationabiliter prolatam esse putauerit, si talis est ut sacris regulis intelligentie sensum prebere uelit, nobiscum inde agat et, non quod nos sed quod diuina auctoritas doceat, quod decernat, quod consona sanctorum patrum uoce iudicet patienter audiens, acquiescat. Nos tamen non estimamus quemquam fidelium qui ecclesiastica statuta nouerit hoc errore teneri, ut non hoc, etsi publice non audeat affirmare, uel in corde suo recte factum esse perhibeat.

Therefore, when we saw his iniquity come to the highest for these causes namely, first, because he would not abstain from the communion of those who have been excommunicated for sacrilege and the crime of simoniac heresy; next, because for the criminal acts of his life he would not, I do not say undertake, but not even promise penance, having lied about that faith which he had promised into the hands of our legates; and also because he did not shrink from cleaving the body of Christ, that is, the unity of the holy church — for these, I say, faults we by synodal judgment excommunicated him, so that he whom we could not, whether by mildness or by severity, recall to the way of salvation with God assisting, or if, God forbid, he did not fear even the censure of coercion, at least our soul may not fall into negligence or succumb to the peril of fear. If therefore anyone shall think that this sentence was unjustly or irrationally pronounced, if he is such as would give sense to the sacred rules of understanding, let him treat with us about it and, not what we but what divine authority teaches, what it decrees, what, consonant with the voice of the holy fathers, it shall judge—listening patiently—let him acquiesce. We however do not reckon any faithful who knows the ecclesiastical statutes to be held by this error, so that he would not consider this to have been rightly done, even if he does not publicly dare to affirm it or in his heart acknowledge it as right.

Quamquam etsi nos, quod Deus auertat, non satis de graui causa aut minus ordinate eum huiusmodi uinculo ligauerimus, sicut sancti patres asserunt, non idcirco spernenda esset sententia, sed absolutio cum omni humilitate querenda.

Although even if we, God avert it, have not sufficiently, for a grave cause, or have less orderly bound him with such a bond, as the holy fathers assert, the sentence should not therefore be scorned, but absolution is to be sought with all humility.

Vos autem, dilectissimi, qui iusticiam Dei non pro regia indignatione nec pro aliquo periculo deserere uoluistis, fatuitatem eorum qui de execratione et mendacio adnuntiabuntur in summatione paruipendentes, uiriliter state et confortamini in Domino, scientes quod illius partem defenditis qui insuperabilis rex et semper magnificus triumphator iudicaturus est uiuos et mortuos, reddens unicuique secundum opus suum. De cuius multimoda retributione et uos certi esse poteritis, si usque in finem fideles et inconcussi in eius ueritate perstiteritis. Propter quod et nos incessanter pro uobis rogamus Deum, ut det uobis uirtutem corroborari per Spiritum sanctum in nomine eius, et conuertat cor regis ad penitentiam, ut et ipse aliquando cognoscat nos et uos multo uerius amare eum quam qui nunc suis iniquitatibus obsecuntur et fauent.

But you, most beloved, who have not wished to abandon the justice of God out of royal indignation nor for any peril, scorning the fatuity of those who, undervaluing in a summary way what will be proclaimed with execration and falsehood, stand manfully and be strengthened in the Lord, knowing that you defend the part of him who, the unconquerable king and ever‑magnificent triumphator, will judge the living and the dead, rendering to each according to his work. Of whose manifold retribution you also may be certain, if until the end you persist faithful and unshaken in his truth. Wherefore we also ceaselessly pray to God for you, that he give you strength to be confirmed by the Holy Spirit in his name, and convert the heart of the king to penance, so that he himself may at some time come to know to love us and you far more truly than those who now, clinging to their own iniquities, flatter and favor him.

Quodsi Deo inspirante uoluerit resipiscere, quicquid contra nos moliatur semper tamen nos ad recipiendum eum in sanctam communionem, prout uestra caritas nobis consuluerit, paratos inueniet.

But if, God inspiring, he should wish to repent, whatever he schemes against us will nevertheless always find us ready to receive him into holy communion, as your charity has provided for us.

15 (1076)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei [omnibus in Christo fratribus, episcopis abbatibus sacerdotibus ducibus et principibus atque militibus omnibusque christianam fidem et beati Petri honorem reuera diligentibus in Romano imperio habitantibus,] salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God [to all brothers in Christ, bishops, abbots, priests, dukes and princes and soldiers and all who reverently and diligently cherish the Christian faith and the honor of blessed Peter, dwelling in the Roman Empire,] greeting and apostolic blessing.

Postquam fraternitati uestrae epistolam direximus quae ita incipit: "Gratias agimus omnipotenti Deo", a fidelibus sanctae ecclesiae accepimus quod rex summopere procuret nos ab inuicem seiungere suaque fraude decipere, modo per spirituales modo per saeculares personas. Proinde dubitamus ne forte ex nostris fratribus minus cauti pro licentia quam dedimus decipiantur. Et ideo ex parte beati Petri apostolorum principis praecipimus ut nullus eum praesumat a uinculo anathematis absoluere quousque illius satisfactio et penitentia per idoneos uestros nobis fuerit renuntiata, ut simul decernentes per legatos nostros quod aequum fuerit ac Deo placitum, omni fraude remota, apostolica auctoritate statuamus.

After we directed a letter to your fraternity which begins thus: "We give thanks to Almighty God," we received from the faithful of the holy church that the king most earnestly seeks to separate us from one another and to deceive by his fraud, now through spiritual, now through secular persons. Therefore we fear lest perhaps some of our brothers, less cautious because of the licence which we have given, be deceived. And therefore, on behalf of blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, we command that no one presume to absolve him from the bond of anathema until his satisfaction and penance have been reported to us by your suitable men; and, at the same time, decreeing through our legates what will be just and pleasing to God, with all fraud removed, we establish this by apostolic authority.

Vos autem diligenter studete eam promissionem eamque securitatem ab illo accipere ut non uideamur pro columbae simplicitate serpentis prudentiam negligere. Quodsi inter hec, quod non optamus, morte praeuentus fuerit, non dubitet uestra fraternitas quam uera penitentia ueraque satisfactio promeretur absolutionis medicinam impendere. Data Tiburis iiii kal.

But you, diligently take care to seek that promise and to receive that security from him, so that we may not appear, by the simplicity of a dove, to neglect the prudence of a serpent.
And if meanwhile, which we do not wish, he should be prevented by death, let your fraternity not hesitate to bestow the remedy of absolution by administering the true penance and true satisfaction which he would have deserved.
Given at Tibur, on the fourth day before the Kalends.

Septembris.

September.

16 (1076, dopo il 27 settembre)

16 (1076, after 27 September)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei excellentissimo filio glorioso regi Anglorum salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to his most excellent son, the glorious King of the English, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Compertum esse celsitudini tuae non dubitamus quod dictus episcopus Dolensis ecclesiae, quae Britannicae provinciae principalis est sedes, suae salutis immemor et sanctorum canonum decreta conculcans, eamdem ecclesiam per simoniacam haeresim impudenter inuaserit et prolixo iam tempore oppresserit uiolenter. Datis namque comiti Alano copiosis muneribus, quae usque hodie ad probamentum prius nequitiae in propatulo extant, non per ostium in ouile Christi sed ut fur et latro aliunde irrepsit. Qui etiam nec hoc scelere contentus iniquitatem super iniquitatem apposuit et, quasi simoniacum esse parum et pro nihilo deputaret, nicolaita quoque fieri festinauit.

We do not doubt that it has been ascertained to your highness that the said bishop of the church of Dol, which is the principal seat of the British province, forgetful of his own salvation and trampling upon the decrees of the holy canons, has impudently invaded that same church by simoniacal heresy and for a long time now has violently oppressed it. For having given to Count Alan copious gifts, which even to this day remain exposed as proof of his former wickedness, he did not enter by the door into the fold of Christ but, like a thief and robber, crept in from elsewhere. Who, not content with this crime, heaped iniquity upon iniquity and, as if being a simoniac were too little and counted for nothing, hastened also to become a Nicolaitan.

Nam in ipso tam perniciose adepto episcopatu nuptiis publice celebratis scortum potius quam sponsam ducere non erubuit, ex qua et filios procreauit; ut qui iam spiritum suum animarum corruptori per simoniaca commercia prostituerat, per foedae libidinis incestum corpus suum ita in contumeliam diabolo consecraret; et sic in eo nullus locus superesset Conditori quem intus exteriusque obligatum totum sibi aduersarius non uendicasset. Nec tamen huc usque conatus malitiae substitit, sed etiam atrocissimum facinus turpissimumque flagitium horrendo etiam sacrilegio cumulauit. Nam adultas ex illicito matrimonio filias, praediis ecclesiae et redditibus nomine dotis collatis atque alienatis, scelere immanissimo maritauit.

For in that very person, having so perniciously obtained the episcopate and publicly celebrated nuptials, he was not ashamed to take a harlot rather than a bride, by whom also he begot children; so that he who had already prostituted his spirit to the corrupter of souls by simoniacal traffickings, by the incest of foul lust thus consecrated his body in insult to the devil; and so that no place would remain in him of the Creator which, inwardly and outwardly bound, wholly hostile, he had not yielded up to himself. Nor did his attempt at wickedness cease even here, but he piled an most atrocious deed and a most shameful outrage, even accumulating a horrid sacrilege. For he married off the grown daughters of that illicit marriage, having bestowed and alienated the church’s estates and revenues under the name of dowries, by the most enormous crime.

His iniquitatibus coopertus, eamdem tamen ecclesiam dilaceratam dissipatamque, si liceat, incubare molitur. Quibus de causis celsitudo tua nouerit illum iam beati Petri apostoli spiculo perfossum et nisi sceleris resipuerit anathemate mortifero esse damnatum. Quapropter paterna caritate te ammonere et causam breuiter exponere studuimus, ne fortasse per ignorantiam tam scelesto homini tandiu in tenebris suis iacenti ulterius auxilium praebeas neue sceleris eius te participem facias; sed sedi apostolicae nostrisque monitis modeste parendo illum a te repellas, uel etiam ut tandem aliquando sibi consulat atque ad remedium paenitentiae confugiat blande suadendo, si poteris, inducas.

Covered with these iniquities, yet he strives, if it be allowed, to prey upon that same church, rent and dispersed. For these causes your highness should know that he is already pierced with the spear of blessed Peter the Apostle, and unless he repent of his crime he is condemned by a deadly anathema. Wherefore, in paternal charity we have been eager to admonish you and briefly to set forth the case, lest perhaps through ignorance you should further give aid to so wicked a man lying so long in his darkness and make yourself a sharer in his crime; but by modestly obeying the Apostolic See and our admonitions you should repel him from you, or even, that he at last consult his own welfare and flee to the remedy of penance, by gently exhorting him, if you can, bring him to it.

Nam tales in malo perseuerantes fouere et adiuuare nihil est aliud quam iram Domini contra se prouocare. Nos uero supradictae ecclesiae afflictionem diutius non ferentes, Deo inspirante, uirum uita probabilem et compertae religionis inibi ordinauimus et consecrauimus, uidelicet S. Melanii abbatem; qui cum ob alias causas quas explicare prolixum est ad nos uenisset, pontificatus onus ex insperato subire compulsus est. De quo confidimus in Domino quia si, ut desideramus litterisque nostris multipliciter implorare curauimus, principum terrae bonorum uirorum gratiam et studia habere meruerit, Domino cooperante, sub beati Petri patrocinio ecclesiam in melius restaurabit.

For to nourish and help such men persisting in evil is nothing else than to provoke the wrath of the Lord against oneself. We, however, not enduring the affliction of the aforesaid church any longer, God inspiring, ordained and consecrated there a man of approved life and proven religion, namely S. Melanius as abbot; who, having come to us for other reasons which it would be tedious to explain, was compelled unexpectedly to take upon himself the burden of the pontificate. Concerning whom we trust in the Lord that if, as we desire and have repeatedly sought by our letters, he shall have deserved to obtain the favor and zeal of the good men of the princes of the land, with the Lord cooperating, under the patronage of blessed Peter he will restore the church for the better.

17 (dicembre 1076)

17 (December 1076)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei archiepiscopis episcopis ducibus comitibus nec non maioribus atque minoribus in regno Teutonicorum constitutis salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the archbishops, bishops, dukes, counts, and likewise the greater and the lesser established in the kingdom of the Germans, greetings and apostolic blessing.

Nos indigni et inutiles principis apostolorum serui statuimus ad uos, diuina auxiliante clementia, uenire et, postponentes pene omnium fidelium nostrorum consilia, ita profectionem nostram maturare ut VI Idus Ianuarii uelimus Mantue esse, ea quidem uoluntate et desiderio ut fiducia probate fidei uestre queque aspera et si necesse fuerit ipsam sanguinis effusionem pro libertate sancte ecclesie et salute imperii pura et sincera intentione subire non dubitemus. Vestri igitur studii sit eos de susceptione et seruicio nostro premonere quos prudentia uestra id posse et nobis debere cognouerit. Sit etiam ita studii uestri per partes uestras pacem firmare ut intentionis nostre propositum nichil possit impedire.

We, the unworthy and useless servants of the Prince of the Apostles, have determined to come to you, with divine clemency assisting, and, putting off the counsels of almost all our faithful, thus to hasten our departure that we may wish to be at Mantua on 8 January; indeed with such will and desire that, tested by the proof of your faith, and even, if necessary, by the very shedding of blood for the freedom of the holy Church and the safety of the empire, with a pure and sincere intention we shall not hesitate to undergo it. Therefore let it be of your zeal to admonish those concerning the reception and service of us whom your prudence shall have recognized can and ought to do so to us. Let it also be of your zeal by your parts to establish the peace so that nothing may be able to impede the purpose of our intention.

Quod et quantas colluctationes cum nunciis regis habuerimus et quibus rationibus dictis eius obuiauerimus, quicquid his litteris deesse uidetur latores earum plenius indicabunt. Quibus sicut de his que per eos beato Petro et nobis promisistis indubitanter credimus, ita uos de his que ex nostra uobis parte dixerint credere uolumus.

Which and how many struggles we have had with the king’s envoys, and by which arguments of his we met them, whatever seems to be lacking in these letters the bearers of them will more fully declare. To whom, just as concerning those things which by them you promised to blessed Peter and to us we indubitably believe, so we wish that you believe those things which they shall have said to you on our part.

18 (dicembre 1076)

18 (December 1076)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus archiepiscopis episcopis abbatibus ducibus marchionibus comitibus omnibusque christianam et beati Petri apostolorum principis fidem et doctrinam defendentibus et obseruantibus in omni regno Teutonicorum salutem et beatorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli benedictionem omniumque peccatorum absolutionem. Ego qualiscumque sacerdos, apostolorum principis seruus, contra uoluntatem et consilium Romanorum, confidens de misericordia omnipotentis Dei et de uestra fide catholica, uenio ad uos, paratus propter honorem Dei et salutem animarum uestrarum mortem subire, sicut Christus pro nobis animam suam posuit. In hoc enim positi sumus ut per multas tribulationes tendamus et perueniamus ad regnum Dei.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all archbishops, bishops, abbots, dukes, margraves, counts, and all who defend and observe the Christian faith and the faith and doctrine of blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, in the whole kingdom of the Germans, greeting and the blessing of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul and the absolution of all sins. I, whatever sort of priest, servant of the prince of the apostles, contrary to the will and counsel of the Romans, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God and in your Catholic faith, come to you, prepared, for the honor of God and the salvation of your souls, to undergo death, as Christ for us laid down his life. For we are placed in this that through many tribulations we may proceed and arrive at the kingdom of God.

Vos autem, fratres mei karissimi et desiderantissimi, summopere curate ut uos possim Deo adiuuante adire uobisque in omnibus prodesse. Benedicat uos ex cuius gratia mihi dictum est ad corpus beati Petri in die ordinationis mee: "Quodcumque benedixeris benedictum erit, et quodcumque solueris super terram erit solutum et in celis." Amen.

But you, my most dear and most desired brothers, take the greatest care that, God assisting, I may be able to visit you and to be of benefit to you in all things. May He bless you, by whose grace it was said to me at the body of blessed Peter on the day of my ordination: "Whatever you bless will be blessed, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Amen.

19 (febbraio-marzo 1077)

19 (February-March 1077)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilectissimis in Christo fratribus et filiis, archiepiscopis episcopis ducibus comitibus caeterisque principibus cum omni populo regni Theuthonicorum christianam fidem et religionem defendentibus, salutem et apostolicam bendictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the most beloved in Christ brothers and sons, archbishops, bishops, dukes, counts, and other princes, together with all the people of the kingdom of the Teutons defending the Christian faith and religion, health and apostolic benediction.

Sicut in prioribus literis et legatorum uerbis uobis significauimus, intelligentes quod digne Deo defensores iustitiae uos in uera oboedientia et apostolici principatus reuerentia exibuistis, in uestra fide et consiliis fiducialiter spem ponentes, contra uoluntatem pene omnium fidelium nostrorum, excepta carissima et fidelissima beati Petri filia uidelicet Mathilde, iter ad uos non solum inter multa incommoda sed et pericula aggressi sumus. Et peruenisse quidem potuissemus, si ducatum eo tempore, eo loco quo constitutum erat ex uestra parte habuissemus. Cum autem ex ipsa suspensione nostrae profectionis regi in Italiam properanti ad nos perueniendi daretur occasio, uicti eius humilitate et multimoda penitudinis exibitione, ab anathematis uinculo absolutum in gratiam communionis eum recepimus, de cetero nichil secum statuentes nisi quod ad cautelam et honorem omnium uestrum fore putauimus.

As we signified to you in prior letters and in the words of the legates, understanding that you, worthy defenders of justice before God, had withdrawn in true obedience and in reverence for the apostolic principate, placing trustful hope in our faith and counsels, we undertook a journey to you not only amid many inconveniences but also dangers, contrary to the will of nearly all our faithful, excepting the most dear and most faithful daughter of Blessed Peter, namely Mathilde. And indeed we could have arrived, had we at that time held the duchy on your part in the place where it had been established. But when from that very suspension of our departure an opportunity was given for the king hastening into Italy to come to us, and, overcome by his humility and by manifold exhibitions of penitence, we received him absolved from the bond of anathema into the grace of communion, thenceforth we determined nothing with him except what we thought would be for the caution and honor of you all.

Cumque Langobardorum episcopi totius negocii summam ad communem conuentum et prudentiae uestrae consultationem reseruatam esse cognoscerent, nec de suis culpis ea quam sperabant impunitate absolutionem consequi potuissent, quantam superbiam quantosque maliciae conatus contra nos adorsi sint ad dicendum quidem triste, ad audiendum est abhominabile, cum illi qui in aecclesia Dei columpnae esse debuerunt non modo in compage corporis Christi nullum locum teneant sed pertinaciter impugnatores et quantum ad se destructores existant. De rege uero, ut in his quae nobis promisit simpliciter aut obedienter ambulauerit non multum letari possumus, praesertim cum ex eius praesentia pessimi quique contra nos et apostolicam sedem plus audaciae quam terroris pro perpetrata iniquitate habeant. Inter hec uestra consilia expectantes tandem per filium nostrum Rapotonem, quem ad uos misimus, hoc uos uelle et postulare cognouimus, si quomodo ad partes uestras transire possimus, atque id ut cautius fieri possit cum regis consilio et adiutorio agere studeamus.

And when the bishops of the Lombards learned that the sum of the whole business was reserved to the common council and to your prudence and consultation, and that concerning their own faults they could not obtain that absolution in impunity which they had hoped for, how great a pride and how many attempts of malice they have set against us — to tell is indeed sad, to hear is abominable — since those who ought to have been pillars in the Church of God not only hold no place in the fabric of the body of Christ but are pertinaciously attackers and, as regards themselves, destroyers. Concerning the king, however, that he has walked simply or obediently in those things which he promised us we cannot much rejoice, especially when from his presence the very worst men against us and against the apostolic see have more audacity than dread for the iniquity perpetrated. Meanwhile, awaiting your counsels, at length through our son Rapotonem, whom we sent to you, we have learned that this is your will and demand, namely whether in any way we can cross over to your parts, and that, so that it may be done more cautiously, we endeavor to act with the king’s counsel and aid.

Nos itaque, sicut uobis mandauimus, uestrae uoluntati atque consiliis in omnibus secundum beneplacitum Dei satisfacere cupientes, id ipsum per nuncios nostros cum rege statuere atque coaptare operam damus. Verum quo animo ipse nobis et uobis in hac causa consentire debeat, ante missionem huius legationis, quoniam rex a nobis longe distabat, praenoscere non potuimus, sed mox ut cognouerimus uobis intimare non tardabimus.

Therefore we, as we commanded you, wishing to satisfy your will and counsels in all things according to the good pleasure of God, give our effort to establish and to coapt — through our nuncios with the king — that very thing. But in what spirit he ought to consent to this cause toward us and you, before the sending of this legation, since the king was far removed from us, we could not beforehand foresee; yet as soon as we learn it we will not delay to intimate it to you.

Scitote igitur quoniam haec est uoluntas et desiderium nostrum, ut uel consensu regis uel si eo nolente fieri possit ad uos pro communi utilitate et salute omnium uestrum pertranseamus. Quod si, peccatis et prauorurn studiis obstantibus, fieri nequiuerit, absens tamen omnipotentem Deum obnixis semper orabo precibus ut corda uestra et fidem in omni gratia et uirtute confirmet, et ita in omnibus uestra consilia et facta dirigat ut libertatem christianae religionis indefessa uirtute defendere, et ea quae ad statum et gloriam nobilissimi regni uestri Deo dignissima et uobis utilissima sunt prouidere possitis et exequi. Vos autem in proposito defendendae iustitiae quod pro nomine Christi et aeterna retributione incepistis ita persistite ut ad coronam tam sancti tam Deo placiti certaminis, Deo donante, pertingere ualeatis.

Know therefore that this is our will and desire, that either with the consent of the king or, if he be unwilling, yet if it can be done, we should come to you for the common utility and salvation of all of you. But if, sins and the practices of the perverse obstructing, it cannot be done, nevertheless in absence I will always earnestly pray to Almighty God with steadfast prayers that he confirm your hearts and faith in every grace and virtue, and so direct in all things your counsels and deeds that you may be able to defend by unfaltering virtue the liberty of the Christian religion, and to provide and execute those things which are most worthy before God for the state and glory of your most noble kingdom and most useful to you. But you, in the purpose of defending justice which you have begun for the name of Christ and for eternal retribution, persist so that, God granting, you may be able to attain the crown of so holy and so God-pleasing a struggle.

Plura uobis per scripta misissemus, nisi quod tales ad uos nuncios direximus quibus indubitanter credere potestis, in quorum ore quidquid in epistola minus continetur et pro uobis uel ad uos cor nostrum habet posuimus. Amen.

We would have sent you more in writing, were it not that we have dispatched to you such messengers whom you can doubtless believe, in whose mouth we have placed whatever is less contained in the letter and our heart for you or to you. Amen.

20 (gennaio-febbraio 1077)

20 (January–February 1077)

Non eget, o fili, Deus offerri quicquam ex iniustitia sibi, quia, ut legimus, sic ei fiunt uictimae ex rapina quomodo si mactet quis filium in patris praesentia. Patratorem quidem multorum bonorum agnouimus fratrem nostrum Annonem archiepiscopum. Sed tamen in hac parte minime defendendus est non errasse, dum quod beato Nicolao praeripuit sanctae genitrici Dei gratum holocaustum aestimauit, dicente Domino per prophetam: "Quia ego Dominus diligens iudicium, et odio habens rapinam in holocausto." Nec fas est a fidelibus credi, matrem discrepare a uoluntate filii; dum id prorsus constet utrisque proprium atque commune, eadem uelle et eadem nolle.

God does not need, O son, that anything be offered to him from injustice, for, as we read, victims are made to him from plunder just as if one were to slaughter a son in the presence of his father. We have acknowledged the disposer of many goods, our brother Annon (Annonem) the archbishop. Yet in this matter he is by no means to be defended as not having erred, since he judged that which he anticipated for Blessed Nicholas to be a grateful holocaust to the holy Mother of God, the Lord saying through the prophet: "For I am the Lord who loveth judgment, and I hate robbery in a holocaust." Nor is it lawful for the faithful to believe that a mother differs from the will of the son; since it is plainly established as proper and common to both, to will the same and to will not the same.

At tu, ne defendendo iniustitiam uidearis offendere Deum, tolle de medio quod, alias licet bonus, hic male consultus commisit episcopus Anno, ne et illius detrimentum sit coronae et tibi occasio culpae.

But you, lest by defending injustice you seem to offend God, remove from the midst that thing which, although otherwise a good man, this ill-advised Bishop Anno committed, lest it be both a detriment to the crown and an occasion of guilt for you.

21 (28 giugno ca. 1077)

21 (28 June c. 1077)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus archiepiscopis, episcopis, abbatibus, regibus, principibus, clericis quoque ac laicis, in Narbonensi Gallia, Guasconia, Hispaniaque regione, salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all archbishops, bishops, abbots, kings, princes, also to clerics and laity, in Narbonensian Gaul, Gascony, and the region of Spain, greetings and apostolic blessing.

Dilectissimi fratres et filii, prudentiae uestrae manifestissime notum est, quod Romana ecclesia hanc consuetudinem habuit ab ipsis suae fundacionis primordiis, ut ad omnes partes quae christianae religionis titulo praenotantur suos legatos mitteret; quatinus ea quae gubernator et rector eiusdem Romanae ecclesiae per suam praesentiam expedire non praeualet, uice sua legatis concessa, monita salutis ac morum honestatem per eos cunctis per orbem terrarum constitutis ecclesiis nunciaret, easque apostolica doctrina in omnibus quae sacrae religioni conueniunt diligenter instrueret. Proinde horum presentium portitorem, uenerabilem confratrem nostrum A. episcopum, ad partes uestras dirigimus ut, quae ibi uicia eradicanda sunt a fundamento euulsis, plantaria uirtutum Deo auctore sollerti uigilantia plantare procuret. Quem sicut nostram immo beati Petri presentiam uos suscipere apostolica auctoritate iubemus; ac sic pro reuerentia apostolicae sedis cuius nuncius est, uos in omnibus sibi obedire atque eum audire mandamus ut propriam faciem nostram seu nostrae uiuae uocis oracula.

Most beloved brothers and sons, it is most manifest to your prudence that the Roman Church has had this custom from the very rudiments of its foundation, that it should send its legates to all parts which are denoted by the title of the Christian religion; so that those things which the governor and ruler of the same Roman Church is not able to dispatch by his own presence, being granted in his stead to the legates, they might proclaim by them the admonitions of salvation and the honesty of morals to the churches established throughout the orb of the lands, and might diligently instruct them by apostolic doctrine in all things which pertain to sacred religion. Wherefore we direct the bearer of these presents, our venerable confrere A., bishop, to your parts, that, with God as the author, by careful vigilance he may see to plant the seedlings of virtues where vices there are to be uprooted from the foundation, having been torn out. Whom, as you are to receive our — nay, even the presence of blessed Peter — we command you by apostolic authority to receive; and thus, for the reverence of the apostolic see of which he is messenger, we order you in all things to obey him and to hear him as if our own face or the oracles of our living voice.

Scriptum est enim: "Qui uos audit, me audit". Agite itaque prudenter ac religiose; et sic uos oboedientes Deo et sancto Petro in omnibus exhibite, quatinus, ipso apostolorum principe interueniente, utriusque uitae gloriam et felicitatem consequi mereamini.

For it is written: "He who hears you, hears me." Act therefore prudently and religiously; and thus show yourselves obedient to God and to Saint Peter in all things, so that, with the prince of the apostles himself intervening, you may deserve to obtain the glory and felicity of both lives.

22 (dopo il 9 marzo 1078)

22 (after 9 March 1078)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei clero et populo Turonensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the clergy and people of Tours, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Archiepiscopi uestri diligenter causam discutientes, intelleximus non legali accusatione eum ab officio suspensum fuisse, praesertim cum eadem causa ante praesentiam antecessoris nostri uenerandae memoriae pape Alexandri discussa et determinata fuerit. Quapropter apostolica auctoritate episcopale et sacerdotale officium sibi reddidimus. Verum quia aliqui uestrum contra eum adhuc submurmurant et eadem infamia uigilat, decreuimus legatum nostrum cum legato Diensis episcopi ad uos dirigere, quatenus certam et meram ueritatem huius rei a uobis percipiant.

Having your archbishop diligently discussed the case, we understood that he had not been suspended from office by a legal accusation, especially since the same cause had been discussed and determined before the presence of our predecessor of venerable memory, Pope Alexander. Wherefore by apostolic authority we have restored to him the episcopal and sacerdotal office. But because some of you still mutter against him and the same infamy persists, we have decreed to direct our legate, together with the legate of the bishop of Diensis, to you, so that they may learn from you the certain and pure truth of this matter.

Vnde interdicimus ex parte beati Petri apostolorum principis ut nullus uestrum contra eum dubium testimonium aut quod canonice possit improbari proferre praesumat, sed quod uidit et audiuit et certissimum habet ueraciter dicat. Nam si aliter praesumptum fuerit, et testis falsitatis damnabitur et causa illa ulterius in perpetuum non discutietur.

Wherefore we forbid, on behalf of Blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, that any of you presume to produce against him any dubious testimony or anything that can be canonically disproved; but let him truly say what he has seen and heard and holds most certain. For if otherwise it be presumed, the witness will be condemned for falsehood and that cause will henceforth no longer be examined in perpetuity.

23 (estate 1078)

23 (summer 1078)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. Turonensium uenerabili archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R., the venerable archbishop of Tours, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Specialem quandam fiduciam, frater dilecte, mater tua sancta Romana aecclesia in fraternitate tua habere promeruit, quippe quam affabiliter et quanta dilectione cum ad se uenisti te susceperit, quam paterne te correxerit, potest et debet prudentia tua recordari, immo haec sic fixa et sic detecta ut euelli et caligari nullo modo possint, ante oculos cordis semper habere; ac ideo decet te ut fructum debitae reuerentiae in omnibus quibus tuo auxilio indiguerit sibi prudenter et ex fide exhibeas, ut talium fructuum flagranti odore mater tua intellegat qua dilectione sibi adhaereas. Recordari debes et uales, frater, cum a nobis recesseris, nos iam ad partes tuas legatos destinasse, quorum unum fore domnum abbatem Cluniacensem, nisi necessarium obstaculum impediret, disposueramus. Verum longe aliter euenit quam excogitaueramus, et multorum hereticorum heresis sole clarius detecta mutare sententiam super legatis extorsit.

A certain special trust, beloved brother, your mother the holy Roman Church has deserved to have in your fraternity; for how graciously and with what affection, when you came to her, she received you, how fatherly she corrected you, your prudence can and ought to remember; nay these things are so fixed and so uncovered that they can in no way be torn away or made dark, and you should always have them before the eyes of your heart; and therefore it becomes you that the fruit of due reverence in all things in which she shall need your help you prudently and from faith render to her, so that by the blazing smell of such fruits your mother may understand with what affection you cling to her. You ought also to remember, and be strong, brother, that when you departed from us we had already appointed envoys to your parts, one of whom we had arranged would be the lord abbot of Cluny, unless a necessary obstacle impeded. But it turned out far otherwise than we had devised, and the heresy of many heretics, revealed more clearly than the sun, forced a change of mind concerning the envoys.

Vnde nobis uisum est domnum Hugonem Diensem episcopum, ac Hubertum sanctae Romanae aecclesiae et nostrum dilectum filium, cum his quoque domnum Wicardum Bisontiensem clericum, ad partes tuas mittere et uicem curae nostrae illis iniungere. Qui conuocatis ex uobis qui ad aecclesiastica negotia tractanda idonei noscuntur una uobiscum diligenti examinatione perquirant, et inquisitis quibuscumque potuerint iuste determinationis finem imponant. Quod si contigerit aliquam partem spiritu superbiae ductam nolle oboedire iustitiae, ei parti quae iustitiam habet fauere uos uolumus et praecipimus, rebellem autem aecclesiastica censura arceri apostolica auctoritate praecipimus.

Wherefore it seemed good to us to send domnus Hugo of Diensis, bishop, and Hubert, beloved son of the holy Roman church and of ours, together with likewise domnus Wicardus, cleric of Bisontiensem, to your parts, and to assign to them in turn the care of our charge. They, having summoned from among you those who are known fit to manage ecclesiastical affairs, shall together with you diligently examine, and having inquired of whomever they can, shall justly impose a final determination. But if it should happen that any party, led by a spirit of pride, refuses to obey justice, we wish and command that you favor the party which has justice, and we command by apostolic authority that the rebellious one be kept away by ecclesiastical censure.

Preterea si contigerit aliquo impedimento interueniente praedictos legatos ibi simul esse non posse, eis autem qui fuerint, etiamsi unus tantum, similiter ac si simul essent fraternitatem tuam cauere atque ut mihi si praesens essem oboedire praedicta auctoritate monemus. Vnde praedicto Huberto quem in Brittanniam praemisimus cum ad fraternitatem tuam uenire contigerit in praedictis ut mihi cauere, in praedictis ut mihi oboedire ammonemus et nobis commissa auctoritate iubemus. Si qua uero sibi fuerint necessaria ut homini qui a Roma usque ad Brittanniam elaborauerit et a Brittannia usque Romam, si Deus dederit, modis elaborat uenire, caritas tua sibi impertiri nostri causa et amore non dubitet, ut ex filii intelligatur dilectione quanto matrem amplectaris amore.

Moreover, if it should happen that by some intervening impediment the aforesaid legates cannot be together there, yet to those who are present, even if only one, we admonish to safeguard your fraternity in the same way as if they were together, and to obey the aforesaid authority as if I were present. Wherefore we order the aforesaid Hubert, whom we have sent forward into Britain, that when he shall come to your fraternity he be warned to heed me in the matters aforesaid, to obey me in the matters aforesaid, and we command this by the authority entrusted to us. If, however, any things shall be necessary for him, as for a man who has labored from Rome to Britain and from Britain to Rome, God willing, to come with toil, do not hesitate to grant him your charity for our sake and out of love, so that by the affection of a son it may be understood with what love you embrace the mother.

24 (25 novembre ca. 1078)

24 (25 November, ca. 1078)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei H. Lingonensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to H. bishop of Lingones (of Langres), greeting and apostolic blessing.

Peruenit ad aures nostras quod tu et Hubertus huius aecclesiae legatus Rodbertum Flandrensium comitem excommunicastis. Vnde mirari satis nequeo quod tale aliquid sine praecepto meo et uicarii mei consensu, Diensis uidelicet episcopi, quia aliter fieri a uobis non debuit, facere praesumpsistis, praecipue cum in talibus aut illis partibus uobis nullas uices meas concesserim. Quapropter apostolica auctoritate tibi praecipio ut ad Diensem episcopum uenias et cur hoc ausus sis facere in ueritate sibi aperias, quatinus Deo largiente quod iustum sibi uisum fuerit super hac tua culpa decernat.

It has come to our ears that you and Hubert, legate of this church, have excommunicated Robert, count of Flanders. Wherefore I can scarcely wonder that you presumed to do such a thing without my command and without the consent of my vicar, namely the bishop of Diensis, since it ought not to have been done by you otherwise, especially as in such matters or in those parts I have granted you no vicariate of mine. Therefore by apostolic authority I order you to come to the bishop of Diensis and to open to him in truth why you dared to do this, so that, God granting what seems just to him, he may decree concerning this your fault.

Monemus quoque te et monendo praecipimus ut peregrinis ad limina apostolorum uenientibus uel redeuntibus nullam omnino iniuriam facere uel fieri in partibus tuis permittas, unde iam multas contra te querimonias audiuimus, si gratiam Dei et sanctorum apostolorum et nostram benedictionem et dilectionem habere desideras.

We also admonish you and by admonishing we command that to pilgrims
coming to or returning from the thresholds of the apostles you permit no
injury at all to be done or to be suffered in your parts, whence already
we have heard many complaints against you, if you desire to have the grace of God and
of the holy apostles and our blessing and affection.

25 (fine novembre 1078)

25 (the end of November 1078)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus archiepiscopis et episcopis in Teutonico atque in Saxonico regno commorantibus omnibusque principibus, cunctis etiam maioribus atque minoribus qui non sunt excommunicati et obedire uoluerint, salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all archbishops and bishops dwelling in the Teutonic and in the Saxon kingdom, and to all princes, and to all greater and lesser persons who are not excommunicated and are willing to obey, greetings and apostolic blessing.

Quoniam ex lite et dissensione que tandiu inter uos sunt maximum in sancta ecclesia periculum, maximum undique inter uos detrimentum fieri cottidie cognoscimus, idcirco uisum est nobis, uisum est et fratribus nostris in concilio congregatis, summo desiderio estuare, summa ope elaborare pro uiribus quatinus idonei nuntii tam religione quam scientia pollentes e latere sedis apostolice ad partes uestras mitterentur, qui religiosos episcopos, laicos, etiam pacis amatores et iustitie in partibus uestris commorantes ad hoc opus ydoneos congregarent, qui, Domini gratia preeunte, die et loco ab illis statuto tam ipsi quam quos ipsis adhuc iungere debemus aut pacem componant aut ueritate precognita super illos qui sunt tanti discidii causa canonicam censuram exerceant. Verum quoniam nonnullos, diabolico instinctu confectos, iniquitatis sue facibus ignitos, cupiditate inductos, discordiam potius quam pacem fieri et uidere desiderantes fore non ignoramus, statuimus in hac synodo ad hanc eandem formam sicut et in preterita, ut nulla umquam persona alicuius potentie uel dignitatis, siue magna siue parua, siue princeps siue subiectus, aliqua presumptione presumat legatis nostris obsistere, et postquam ad uos peruenerint de componenda pace contraire, nec postea contra interdictum illorum alter in alterum audeat insurgere, sed usque ad diem ab illis statutam firmam pacem omnes sine ulla occasione et fraude obseruent. Quicumque autem hec statuta nostra ulla presumptione uiolare temptauerint, anathematis uinculo eos ligamus et non solum in spiritu uerum etiam in corpore et in omni prosperitate huius uite apostolica auctoritate innodamus et uictoriam eis in armis auferimus, ut uel sic saltem confundantur et duplici contritione conterantur.

Since from the quarrel and dissension which have so long been among you we learn that the greatest danger to the holy Church and the greatest harm everywhere among you are daily occurring, therefore it has seemed to us, and it has seemed to our brothers gathered in council, to boil with the highest desire, to toil with the utmost effort according to our powers, that fit messengers, endowed both with religion and with learning, might be sent from the side of the Apostolic See to your parts, who should gather together the religious, bishops, laics, even lovers of peace and men of justice dwelling in your regions, suitable for this work, who, the grace of the Lord going before, on the day and at the place appointed by them, should either compose peace both for themselves and for those whom we yet ought to join to them, or, the truth first ascertained concerning those who are the cause of so great a schism, should exercise canonical censure upon them. But since we are not ignorant that some, made by diabolic instigation, kindled by the torches of their iniquity, led on by cupidity, desiring rather that discord be made and seen than peace, will be, we decree in this synod in this same form as in former times, that no person of any power or dignity, whether great or small, whether prince or subject, by any presumption presume to oppose our legates; and after they shall have come to you about composing peace let no one thereafter dare to rise up against another contrary to their prohibition, but let all observe the firm peace until the day fixed by them, without any occasion or fraud. And whoever shall attempt to violate these our statutes by any presumption, we bind them with the bond of anathema, and not only in spirit but even in body and in all the prosperity of this life we bind them by apostolic authority, and we take away victory from them in arms, so that at least thus they may be confounded and crushed with double destruction.

26 (fine febbraio 1079)

26 (end of February 1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. regi omnibusque secum in regno Saxonum commanentibus, tam episcopis quam ducibus et comitibus necnon maioribus et minoribus, peccatorum absolutionem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R. the king and to all who dwell with him in the kingdom of the Saxons, both bishops and dukes and counts and likewise the great and the small, absolution of sins and apostolic blessing.

Cum Veritas ipsa dicat omnium qui propter iusticiam persecutionem paciuntur regnum esse celorum, et Apostolus clamet neminem nisi qui legitime certauerit posse coronari, nolite, filii mei, in hoc qui uos iam multo tempore exagitat bellico furore deficere; nolite per ullius fallentis persone mendacia de nostro fideli adiutorio dubitare; sed magis magisque pro tuenda ueritate ecclesiastica, pro defendenda uestre nobilitatis libertate, labori iam citius finiendo incumbite et ex aduerso ascendendo uos et corpora uestra quasi murum pro domo Dei opponere satagite. Quicquam iam in duabus sinodi nostre conuentionibus de rege R. et de Heinrico statutum sit, quidque ibi de pace et concordia regni etiam cum iuramentis sit diffinitum, per litteras nostras et per legatos uestros nisi forte capti sint apertissime potestis agnoscere ; et si quid adhuc remanserit per episcopos Metensem et Patauiensem et abbatem Augustensem qui nobiscum finem rei prestolando morantur cum ad uos ipsi peruenerint quasi in promptu habetis audire. Postremo hoc uos ignorare nolumus, quia omni qua oportet instantia tum orationis nostre assiduitate tum officii nostri grauitate et prospiciendo consulere et consulendo prospicere uestre necessitati non dubitamus.

Since Truth itself says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to all who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake, and the Apostle cries that no one can be crowned except he who has lawfully contended, do not, my sons, fail in this in which he for a long time now agitates you with warlike fury; do not, because of the lies of any deceitful person, doubt the fidelity of our aid; but rather more and more, for the safeguarding of ecclesiastical truth and for the defending of your nobility’s liberty, apply yourselves now with speed to finish the task, and by advancing from the front strive to set yourselves and your bodies up as a wall for the house of God. Whatever now has been enacted in the two assemblies of our synod concerning King R. and concerning Henry, and whatever there has been determined there about the peace and concord of the kingdom even with oaths, you can recognize most plainly by our letters and by your legates, unless perhaps they have been captured; and if anything still remains, you have ready to hear it from the bishops of Metz and Pavia and the abbot of Augsburg, who delay with us awaiting the settlement of the matter, when they themselves come to you. Finally we will not have you ignorant of this, for with every required urgency — by the constancy of our prayer and by the weight of our office, and by foreseeing and advising — we do not doubt to provide for and to look out for your necessity.

Audiuimus de uestro archiepiscopatu Magdeburgensi indisciplinatam quorundam eiusdem ecclesie filiorum pro acquirendo seculari habitu et honore obortam fuisse contentionem et eorundem, quod etiam erubescendo dicimus, bonam et conuenientem ad hoc opus non esse conuersationem. Quos modis omnibus ex precepto Dei omnipotentis et sancti Petri et nostro ne sibi in locum damnationis culmen arripiant regiminis prohibete et Dei dignum dispensatorem prout ius postulat et ordo cum nostra uoluntate et apostolica benedictione et communi omnium bonorum tam clericorum quam laicorum electione disponite. Vos enim ipsi nostis quod in constituendis episcopis neglecta sanctorum patrum instituta hunc qui modo funditur sanguinem genuerunt, et adhuc nisi prouideantur peiores prioribus errores fouendo parturiunt.

We have heard concerning your archiepiscopate of Magdeburg that an undisciplined contention of certain sons of that same church has arisen for the acquiring of secular habit and honour, and that their conduct, which we say with shame, is not a good and fitting conversation for this office. By all means restrain them, by the precept of Almighty God and of Saint Peter and of ourselves, so that they do not seize for themselves the summit of governance as a place of damnation; and appoint a steward worthy of God, as law demands and order, with our will and apostolic blessing and by the common election of all the good, both clerical and lay. For you yourselves know that in constituting bishops, with the institutions of the holy fathers neglected, they have begotten this which now is being poured out in blood, and unless provision be made, by fostering errors worse than the former they bring forth yet more grievous faults.

27 (marzo-aprile 1079)

27 (March-April 1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. regi et omnibus secum christianam religionem defendentibus salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R. the king and to all with him defending the Christian religion, health and apostolic blessing.

Quod regnum Theutonicorum, hactenus inter omnia mundi regna nobilissimum, iam uideo incendiis cedibus et rapinis deuastari confundi et annullari, quam magnus exinde cordi meo dolor insideat, quam continuus in uisceribus meis me gemitus afficiat, testis est ille solus qui omnium hominum corda scrutatur et probat. Deferuntur enim mihi iam sepius legationcs H., cum per proprios nuncios tum per cognatos et aliarum terrarum principes et affines, modo omnem oboedientiam promittendo, modo per uaria ingenia sollicitando id a me summo conamine cupientes efficere quo me ad uotum suum suis partibus ualeant inclinare. Verum quia hinc inde et Romana grauitas et apostolica mansuetudo me per mediam iusticiae uiam incedere cogit, omnibus quibus possum modis hoc oportet intendere, quomodo ueram a falsa iusticiam, perfectam a ficta oboedientiam iudicio sancti Spiritus ualeam discernere et rato ordine ad finem usque perducere.

That the kingdom of the Teutonic people, hitherto among all the kingdoms of the world most noble, I now see by fires, burnings and plunder to be devastated, confounded and annulled, how great a sorrow thereupon sits in my heart, how a continual groaning affects me in my entrails, the sole Witness who searches and tests the hearts of all men attests. For embassies of H. are now brought to me oftener, sometimes by his own envoys, sometimes by kinsmen and by princes and relatives of other lands, now promising all obedience, now by various devices soliciting, desiring with the utmost exertion to effect that I may be able to incline to their side and to their wish. But because from this side and that both Roman gravity and apostolic meekness compel me to walk the middle way of justice, it is necessary that I direct in every way possible how I may by the judgment of the Holy Spirit be able to discern true justice from false, perfect obedience from counterfeit, and to carry it in orderly fashion even to the end.

Haec uero et alia, si propitio Deo ad uos sani perueniunt, legati mei melius quam hae litterae uiua uoce testificabuntur et docebunt.

These things moreover and others, if by a propitious God they reach you safe, my legates will testify and teach them more fully by living voice than these letters.

Audiui quidem a legato meo B. metropolim Magdeburgensem iamdiu esse uiduatam et adhuc peruersa quorundam contentione ne desponsari possit fuisse turbatam. His modis omnibus ex praecepto Dei omnipotentis et sancti Petri et meo ne praeualeant resistite, et domui Dei dignum dispensatorem per ostium introducere cum communi omnium religiosorum tam archiepiscoporum quam episcoporum nec non etiam clericorum et laicorum consensu et electione procurate. Quodsi meis uultis adquiescere consiliis, audio enim inter uos esse quosdam boni testimonii uiros, A. scilicet Goslariensem decanum, G. Bertaldi ducis filium, H. Sigifridi comitis filium, quorum unum me praecipiente et consentiente eligite et in archiepiscopum praenominatae aecclesiae ordinate.

I have indeed heard from my legate B. that the metropolis of Magdeburg has long been vacant and has hitherto been disturbed by the perverse contention of some so that it could not be espoused. By all these means, by the command of Almighty God and of Saint Peter and of myself, resist them so that they do not prevail, and seek to introduce into the house of God a worthy steward through the door with the common consent and election of all the religious, both of archbishops and of bishops and likewise of clerics and laity. But if you are willing to acquiesce to my counsels — for I hear that among you there are certain men of good testimony, A. namely the dean of Goslar, G. the son of Duke Bertald, H. the son of Count Sigifrid — choose one of these, with my advising and consenting, and ordain him archbishop of the aforesaid church.

Si uero in his tribus qui dignus sit non poterit inueniri, in contritione cordis orando et ieiunando ad Deum conuertimini, rogantes ut, sua reuelante gratia, persona quae huic negocio sit conueniens possit ostendi, hoc proculdubio scientes, quia sicut illum qui ambitu saecularis potentiae inordinate intrauerit, uinculo excommunicationis alligabo, ita quoque eum qui canonice intronizatus fuerit a peccatis absoluo et apostolica benedictione benedico.

If, however, among these three one worthy cannot be found, turn to God in contrition of heart, praying and fasting, beseeching that, his grace revealing, a person fitting to this office may be shown; knowing this beyond doubt, that just as I will bind with the bond of excommunication him who has entered by the ambition of worldly power in an unseemly way, so likewise I absolve from sins and bless with apostolic benediction him who has been canonically enthroned.

28 (aprile 1079)

28 (April 1079)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilectis in Christo filiis sancti Benedicti monachis salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Audiuimus, quod sine grauissimo dolore dicere non possumus, quosdam homines a Iordano principe suggestione diaboli missos secretarium uestrum intrasse et quaedam commissa uobis inaudita temeritate detulisse. In quo facto nimiae neglegenciae et acriter ulciscendae timiditatis uos et abbatem uestrum arguere possumus.

Gregory bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ sons, the monks of Saint Benedict, greeting and apostolic blessing. We have heard, which without most grievous sorrow we cannot say, that certain men, sent by Jordan the prince by the suggestion of the devil, entered your secretariat and bore to you certain entrusted matters with unheard-of temerity. In this deed of excessive negligence and of timidity to be sharply avenged we are able to reproach you and your abbot.

Et grauius aduersum uos commoueri deberemus nisi ea qua uos semper caritate dileximus detineremur. Siquidem tolerabilius nobis uideretur uillas et castella sancti Benedicti in praedam et direpcionem dari quam ut sanctus locus et per totam, ut credimus, christianitatem famosus et uenerabilis tante ignominie periculo subiaceret. Quapropter, huius temeritatis noxam inultam esse non ferentes, praesertim cum locum uestrum uiolatum esse et exemplo huius facinoris deteriora posse uobis contingere perpendamus, ammonemus ut diuinum officium in ecclesia beati Benedicti non faciatis, sed altaria omnia que intus sunt detegentes quantum sit huiusmodi uiolacionis periculum quosque cognoscere faciatis.

And we ought to be moved more gravely against you, were we not held back by those things which we have always loved you for with affection. For it would seem more tolerable to us that the villas and castles of Saint Benedict be given over to pillage and plundering than that the holy place, famed and venerable throughout, as we believe, Christendom, should be subjected to so great dishonour and danger. Wherefore, not bearing that the guilt of this temerity remain unpunished, especially since we weigh that your place has been violated and by the example of this deed worse things could befall you, we admonish that you do not perform the divine office in the church of Blessed Benedict, but that you uncover all the altars that are within, and cause persons to learn as far as possible what risk there is of such a violation.

Si enim in ecclesia sancti Petri humano sanguine respersa diuinum officium non sine diligenti reconciliatione celebratur, multo magis istud quod in ecclesia beati Benedicti perniciosius commissum est competenti indiget expiacione. Vos itaque omnipotentem Dominum instanter deprecamini ut tristiciae mentis nostrae dignetur super hac re nobis consolacionem impendere, et ad reparandam in omni uestram dignitatem modis quibus decet nos instruere.

For if in the church of Saint Peter, bedewed with human blood, the divine office is celebrated not without careful reconciliation, all the more does that thing which has been committed more perniciously in the church of blessed Benedict need a fitting expiation. You therefore earnestly beseech the Almighty Lord that he deign to pour out consolation upon us in this matter of our sorrowful mind, and to instruct us in the ways proper to repair your dignity in every respect.

29 (aprile 1079)

29 (April 1079)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei uenerabili congregacioni Casinensis cenobii salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Nuper, dilectissimi fratres, nos uiolencia sacrilegii huic reuerentissimo loco illata compulsi uestrae ecclesiae officium ob tantum facinus irrogatum interdiximus. Verum quia ascensionis Domini sollempnitas toto uenerabilis orbe nunc imminet, nolentes iam propter alicuius scelus in tanto festo tam religiosum locum officio pietatis carere, decreuimus et uos et eundem locum interdicto absoluere.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the venerable congregation of the Cassinese cenobium, greeting and apostolic blessing. Recently, most beloved brothers, we, driven by the violence of sacrilege brought upon this most reverend place, interdicted the office of your church, imposed because of so great a crime. But since the solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension now draws near throughout the whole venerable world, unwilling that, on account of someone’s wicked deed, so religious a place should on so great a feast be deprived of the office of piety, we have decreed to absolve both you and that same place from the interdict.

Quapropter apostolica mansuetudine ducti reddimus et ecclesiae ministerium cultumque religionis et deuocioni uestrae licenciam celebrandi. Volumus eciam atque rogamus caritatem uestram ut nostri memores pro nobis preces fundatis ad Dominum, pro statu quoque sanctae Romane ecclesiae rectori rerum cotidie supplicetis, nec non tam pro inimicis quam eciam pro amicis dilectionis affectu omnipotentem Dominum deprecari sedulo memineritis et studeatis; nec non et pro illo qui tam sanctissimum locum toto mundo famosum uiolauit preces effundite, ut Deus det illi cor penitens et sic eum ad se conuertat ut in hac uita et futura mereatur graciam Dei optinere.

Wherefore, led by apostolic meekness, we restore and grant permission for the ministry of the church and for the worship of religion and your devotion to celebrate. We also will and beseech your charity that, mindful of us, you pour forth prayers to the Lord for us, and that you daily supplicate for the state of the ruler of the Holy Roman Church; nor ought you to cease diligently to remember and to strive to beseech the Almighty Lord both for enemies and likewise for friends with an affection of love; and also to pour forth prayers for him who so violated that most holy place, renowned throughout the whole world, that God may give him a penitent heart and so turn him to himself, that in this life and the next he may deserve to obtain the grace of God.

30 (aprile-maggio 1079)

30 (April-May 1079)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri Hugoni Diensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Quod diuina clementia pacem ecclesiae tuae restituit, sciat fraternitas tua nos haud aliter quam de nostra aut sanctae Romanae ecclesiae tranquillitate et profectu gaudere. Et hoc in mente tua semper maneat fixum quod omnipotens Deus, cui fideliter famulari toto cordis affectu anniteris, et temporalem tibi pacem competenter conciliabit et sempiternam meritis tuis bonus remunerator retribuet.

Gregorius, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother Hugone, bishop of Diensis, greeting and apostolic blessing. Since divine clemency has restored the peace of your church, let your fraternity know that we rejoice no otherwise than for our own or for the tranquillity and progress of the holy Roman Church. And may this remain ever fixed in your mind: that Almighty God, whom you strive to serve faithfully with the whole affection of your heart, will duly grant you temporal peace, and the good remunerator will repay with everlasting reward your merits.

De discordia uero quam inter Lugdunensem archiepiscopum et abbatem Cluniacensem significasti, nouerit dilectio tua nos non parum grauari sed, quoniam inter religiosos iurgia sunt, multum profecto dolere. Quippe quorum concordia multis prodesse poterat et debucrat, non dubium est quin de eorum dissensione plurimis oriatur et futura sit grauis pernicies. Vnde fraternitatem tuam uigilare oportet et curare necesse est religiosos tibi uiros adhibere et ita praefatos ex parte nostra super concordia conuenire.

Concerning the discord, however, which you signified between the archbishop of Lyons and the abbot of Cluny, your affection should know that we are not a little grieved but, since there are quarrels among the religious, are indeed greatly sorrowful. For whose concord could and ought to have been of benefit to many, there is no doubt that from their dissension a grievous ruin will arise for very many now and in the future. Whence it behooves your fraternity to be vigilant, and it is necessary that you see to employing religious men to assist you and thus to bring the aforesaid on our part to agree concerning concord.

Denique quicumque illorum iustitiae secundum consilia uestra non adquieuerit, nulli sit ambiguum quod nos in eum grauiter, omnis personae acceptione postposita, commouebimur. Quia uero in partibus praeordinatis concilium celebrare non potuistis utiliter, competens arbitramur ut aptum locum diligentia uestra inueniat ubi synodo congregata Remensis archiepiscopi causa diligenter examinetur. Et quidem si idonei accusatores et testes inuenti fuerint quod obicitur ei canonice comprobantes, quam iustitia dictauerit sententiam dare absque hesitatione uos uolumus.

Finally, whoever of them has not acquiesced to your judgments according to your counsels, let there be no ambiguity that we shall move severely against him, all acceptance of persons set aside. And because you were not able to hold the council usefully in the places previously appointed, we judge it fitting that your diligence find a suitable place where, with a synod gathered, the cause of the Archbishop of Reims may be carefully examined. And indeed, if suitable accusers and witnesses are found who canonically prove what is alleged against him, we desire that you, without hesitation, render sentence according to what justice shall have dictated.

Alioquin si tales personae fuerint quae recipi rationabiliter nequeant, quoniam turpis de eo fama non solum Galliam uerum etiam fere totam repleuit Italiam, sex episcopis quorum uita non notetur infamia assumptis sibi, si potest excuset se, et sic purgatus cum pace in aecclesia sua et propria dignitate remaneat. Preterea eum quem per saecularem potestatem, id est regiam inuestituram, Cabilonensem aecclesiam intrasse significastis, ab omni regimine et spe ipsius aecclesiae alienum esse, apostolica auctoritate decernimus. Quodsi post huius nostrae interdictionis sententiam ad huius regiminis dignitatem aspirauerit, quid beati Petri gladius ualeat sine dubio experietur et in perpetuum nulla sibi aecclesiastici regiminis fiducia relinquetur.

Otherwise, if there shall be such persons who cannot reasonably be received, since a disgraceful rumor about him has filled not only Gaul but even almost all Italy, let him take to himself six bishops whose life is not marked by infamy; if he can, let him make excuse, and thus, having been purged, let him remain in his church and in his proper dignity with peace. Furthermore, him whom you have indicated to have entered the Cabilonense church by secular power, that is by royal investiture, we decree by apostolic authority to be alienated from all governance and from the hope of that church. And if after the sentence of this our interdiction he shall aspire to the dignity of that governance, he will without doubt experience what the sword of blessed Peter can effect, and forever no confidence in ecclesiastical governance shall be left to him.

Ad comprimendum etiam multorum conatus illicitos qui obstinatis animis non timent Deum postponere et superbiam suam propalare, diabolum imitantes qui, non contentus sibi concessis, dum illicite nititur ad altiora et quod habebat iuste amisit, uolumus uos in omnibus conciliis uestris uice nostra omnes illos excommunicare quicumque apostolicae sedis decreto super hac re synodaliter constituto obuiare praesumpserit et de manu alicuius layci inuestituram aecclesiarum susceperit, ut his saltim terroribus a spe ambitionis suae reducti non aliunde ut fures et latrones ad ouile dominicum ascendant, sed ex habitatione religiosorum uirorum inuitati, ut boni et idonei pastores per ostium ingrediantur.

To repress also the illicit attempts of many who, with obstinate minds, do not fear to set God aside and to proclaim their pride, imitating the devil who, not content with what was conceded to him, while he unlawfully strives for higher things and loses what he justly had, we desire you in all your councils in our stead to excommunicate all those who shall have presumed to oppose the decree of the Apostolic See synodally established on this matter and to have received from the hand of any layman the investiture of churches, so that at least by these terrors, reduced from the hope of their ambition, they may not elsewhere, like thieves and robbers, ascend to the Lord’s fold, but being invited out of the habitation of religious men, that good and suitable pastors may enter by the door.

Admonemus etiam ut uiscera pietatis tuae dolor et calamitas Linguonensis aecclesiae penetret, et una cum fratre nostro Lugdunensi archiepiscopo modis quibus ualetis, tantis eius periculis consulatis, illud principaliter perficientes ut in decanum qui fere omnia illius aecclesiae officia pessimis studiis arripuit iustam sententiam detis, et officia illa per religiosos et competentes uiros pure deinceps administrentur.

We likewise admonish that the inward parts of your piety — the sorrow and calamity of the church of Linguo(n)ensis — penetrate you, and together with our brother the archbishop of Lugdunum, by the means in which you are able, and giving counsel concerning its so great dangers, principally accomplish this: that concerning the dean who has seized almost all the offices of that church with the worst designs you give a just sentence, and that those offices thereafter be purely administered by religious and competent men.

31(luglio-ottobre 1079)

31(july-october 1079)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilectis in Christo fratribus et coepiscopis Petro Albanensi et Odelrico Patauiensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brothers and co-bishops Peter of Albano and Odelric of Padua, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Sunt multi, quibus tamen non credimus, qui de legatione uestra murmurare incipiunt, suspicantes uos aliter uelle incedere quam a nobis praeceptum est, et alterum uestrum nimis simpliciter, alterum uero non adeo simpliciter acturum esse causantur. Quapropter diligentissima circumspectione cauendum est uobis ut utramque suspicionem possitis extinguere. Quod ita facile cum Dei adiutorio proueniet, si praecepta nostra ante mentis oculos semper teneatis et nichil aliud praesumatis efficere nisi quod nos uobis noscimur non modo nudis uerbis uerum etiam litteris inculcando mandasse.

There are many, nevertheless not to be trusted, who begin to murmur about your legation, suspecting that you mean to proceed otherwise than has been commanded by us, and they allege that one of you will act too simply, and the other, however, not so simply. Wherefore you must beware with the most diligent circumspection that you may be able to extinguish both suspicions. Which will so easily succeed with God’s help, if you always keep our precepts before the eyes of your mind and presume to accomplish nothing else than what we are known to have enjoined upon you, having commanded it not only in bare words but also by letters.

Volumus autem ut de causa regum uel regni, siue etiam de Treuirensi uel Coloniensi et Augustensi electis, uel de omnibus istis qui inuestituram per manum laicam acceperunt, nullum praesumatis exercere iudicium, summumque uobis studium sit, si rex adquieuerit uobis de statuendo colloquio et pace firmanda in regno et de restituendis episcopis in sedibus suis, et hec eadem cito ad nos aut per uos ipsos aut per certos legatos annunciare ut tot et tales personas possimus illuc ad constitutum tempus dirigere qui ad tantum negocium determinandum ualeant una uobiscum Deo auxiliante sufficere.

We wish, however, that concerning the cause of kings or of the kingdom, or also concerning those elected at Treviri or Cologne and Augsburg, or concerning all those who have received investiture by the lay hand, you presume to exercise no judgment, and that your chief care be, if the king has assented to you about appointing a conference and about confirming peace in the kingdom and about restoring bishops to their sees, to announce these same matters quickly to us either by yourselves or by certain legates, so that we may be able to direct thither at the appointed time so many and such persons who, with you and God assisting, are able together to suffice for determining so great a business.

Interim uero sic uos utrique parti communes et ab omni suspicionis neuo, quantum in uobis est, cum diuinae gratiae adiutorio exibete immunes, ut iustitiae semper et nullomodo partibus faueatis sicut habetis formam nostram, qui uidelicet, postquam iudicium tanti huius negocii in manu beati Petri commissum est, nichil aliud uobis testibus intendimus nisi ut per iustitiae semitam incedamus. Ad nullam partem sinceritatem apostolicae discretionis infleximus, nullis promissionibus aut terroribus cessimus, nec aliud umquam Deo protegente acturos nos esse confidimus.

Meanwhile therefore, so that you may be common to each party and, as far as it is in you, free from every suspicion of bias, with the aid of divine grace go forth immune, that you may always walk in justice and in no way favor the parties, as you have our form; for we, namely, after the judgment of this great affair was committed into the hand of blessed Peter, intend nothing else to you as witnesses except that you proceed along the path of justice. To no party have we bent the sincerity of apostolic discretion, we have yielded to no promises or threats, nor do we trust that, God protecting, we shall ever act otherwise.

Preterea specialiter uobis de abbate Augiense iniungimus, qui nuper ad apostolorum limina ueniens non solum captus est sed etiam in loco eius quidam est tyrannice subrogatus, ut ea bona sua quibus exspoliatus est, expulso inuasore illo, restitui faciatis. Qui tamen, postquam de his quae perdidit fuerit pleniter inuestitus, si quid contra illum habet aliquis, paratus erit in nostro iudicio respondere; non enim debet ab alio aliquo iudicari qui in apostolica sede scitur a memet consecratus. Et certe grauis fuit praesumptio manum in eum ponere qui tanto erat priuilegio munitus.

Furthermore we specially enjoin you concerning the abbot of Augia (Augiense), who recently, coming to the thresholds of the apostles, was not only seized but also a certain man was tyrannically substituted in his place, so that you shall cause to be restored those goods of his by which he was despoiled, the invader having been expelled. Who, however, after he shall have been fully invested in those things which he lost, if anyone has anything against him, will be ready to answer in our judgment; for he ought not to be judged by any other who is known to have been consecrated by me in the apostolic see. And certainly it was a grave presumption to lay hands on one who was fortified by so great a privilege.

Quodsi inuasor ille contra interdictum nostrum praedicto fratri sua restituere contempserit, confestim in eum uelut in rebellem et inuasorem ex auctoritate apostolica sententiam excommunicationis intendite. Quidquid autem agitis uel quidquid uobis contigerit litteris semper mandare et frequenter ad nos mittere procurate. Omnipotens et misericors Deus, a quo bona cuncta procedunt, meritis beatae Dei genitricis Mariae dominae nostrae et beatorum apostolorum suorum Petri et Pauli, ab omni malo uos defendere et in omnem ueritatem inducere dignetur, quatinus quidquid agitis secundum timorem Dei et utilitatem sanctae ecclesiae feliciter peragatis.

But if that invader shall have despaired to restore to the aforesaid brother against our interdict, immediately pronounce against him, as against a rebel and invader, by apostolic authority the sentence of excommunication. And whatever things you do or whatever shall befall you, always take care to commit them to letters and to send them frequently to us. Almighty and merciful God, from whom all good things proceed, by the merits of the blessed Mother of God, our Lady Mary, and of his blessed apostles Peter and Paul, deign to defend you from all evil and to lead you into all truth, so that whatever you do according to the fear of God and the utility of the holy church you may happily accomplish.

Inter omnia studiosissime Wormacensis episcopi mementote qui, cum esset diu ab ecclesia sua expulsus et ob id Romam ueniret ut auxilium apostolicae sedis adquireret, non solum nichil sibi profuit sed modo etiam peius incurrit. Interim uos salutamus et rogamus ut sitis memores nostri memoris uestri apud Deum.

Above all most earnestly remember the bishop of Worms who, when he had long been expelled from his church and on that account came to Rome to obtain aid from the apostolic see, not only did nothing avail him but even fell into worse plight. Meanwhile we greet you and beg that you be mindful of us in your remembrance before God.

32 (1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei per totum Italicum regnum et Teutonicorum debitam sancto Petro obedientiam exhibentibus salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the entire Italian kingdom and to the Teutonic peoples rendering the due obedience to Saint Peter, greetings and apostolic blessing.

Si qui sunt presbiteri uel diaconi uel subdiaconi qui iaceant in crimine fornicationis, interdicimus eis ex parte omnipotentis Dei et auctoritate sancti Petri introitum aecclesiae usque dum peniteant et emendent. Si qui uero in peccato suo perseuerare maluerint, nullus uestrum officium eorum auscultare praesumat; quia benedictio illis uertitur in maledictionem et oratio in peccatum, testante Domino per prophetam: "Maledicam", inquit, "benedictionibus uestris." Qui uero huic saluberrimo praecepto obedire noluerit idolatriae peccatum incurrit, testante Samuhele et beato Gregorio astruente: "Peccatum enim ariolandi est repugnare et scelus idolatriae nolle acquiescere." Peccatum ergo paganitatis incurrit quisquis, dum Christianum se asserit, sedi apostolicae obedire contempnit. Vos queso apostolicis praeceptis obedite ut ad hereditatem celestis regni mereamini peruenire.

If there are any priests or deacons or subdeacons who lie in the sin of fornication, we forbid them, by the part of almighty God and by the authority of Saint Peter, the entrance to the church until they repent and amend. But if any prefer to persist in their sin, none of you should presume to hear their office; for blessing to them is turned into a curse and prayer into sin, the Lord bearing witness through the prophet: "I will curse," he says, "your blessings." And whoever will not obey this most salutary command falls into the sin of idolatry, Samuel and blessed Gregory bearing witness and asserting: "For the sin of ariolandi is to resist, and the crime of idolatry not to acquiesce." Therefore whoever, while professing himself a Christian, scorns to obey the apostolic see, incurs the sin of paganism. I beg you, obey apostolic precepts so that you may merit to come to the inheritance of the heavenly kingdom.

33 (1079)

G. seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri R. Turonensi archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother R., Archbishop of Tours, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Visis fraternitatis tuae litteris quibus praesentium litterarum post longum et communem patriae suae errorem sententiam apostolicae sedis non sine condigna paenitentia recognouisse significasti, precibus tuis assensum praebuimus, ita ut paenitentia iniuncta ab excommunicatione absolueremus et officium quo se suspenderat sibi redderemus, si tamen aliud crimen unde ab officio arceri debeat sibi non contradicit, etsi in promissionibus quibus se obligauit, uidelicet sanctae Romanae aecclesiae praeceptis obedire, perseuerauerit. Vnde uolumus ut, quia gratiam et amorem apostolicae sedis consecutus est, consequatur deinceps tuae dilectionis augmentum et ad suum suorumque filiorum exhortationis documentum, tanto quidem diligentius quanto regnum illud a praedicationibus expers et ad deteriora procliue esse dinoscitur; quatinus et ipse de his quae ad episcopalem pertinent sollicitudinem informetur et talentum tibi creditum in discussione diuini examinis tibi duplicetur. Quod autem tibi litteras non misimus, non negligentiae nostrae sed, ut uidemur recordari, legatorum festinantiae potes ascribere.

Having seen the letters of your fraternity in which you signified that you have, after a long and common error of your native land, acknowledged the sentence of the Apostolic See with no small becoming penance, by your prayers we have granted assent, so that, the imposed penance being remitted, we might absolve him from excommunication and restore to him the office from which he had suspended himself, provided nevertheless that no other crime be alleged from which he ought to be excluded from the office, even if he has persevered in the promises by which he bound himself, namely to obey the precepts of the holy Roman Church. Wherefore we wish that, since he has obtained the grace and love of the Apostolic See, he may henceforth obtain an increase of your affection and serve as an example for the exhortation of himself and his sons, all the more diligently since that kingdom is known to be without preaching and prone to worse things; so that he himself may also be informed about those matters which pertain to episcopal solicitude, and that the talent committed to you in the trial of the divine examination may be doubled to you. As for why we did not send letters to you, you may ascribe it not to our negligence but, as it seems to us to recall, to the haste of the legates.

34 (1079 circa)

34 (about 1079)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei Anselmo uenerabili abbati Beccensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to Anselm, venerable abbot of Bec, greetings and apostolic blessing.

Quoniam fructuum tuorum bonus odor ad nos usque redoluit, quam dignas grates Deo referimus et te in Christi dilectione ex corde amplectimur, credentes pro certo tuorum studiorum exemplis aecclesiam Dei in melius promoueri et tuis similiumque tibi precibus etiam ab instantibus periculis Christi subueniente misericordia posse eripi. Nosti, frater: si iusti apud Deum praeualuit oratio, quid iustorum ? Praeualebit equidem, immo impetrabit sine dubio quod petierit. Ipsius etiam ueritatis auctoritate cogimur hoc confiteri: "Pulsate", inquit, "et aperietur uobis, petite et accipietis." Pulsate simpliciter, petite simpliciter, haec etiam quae sibi placeant.

Since the good odor of your fruits has even reached us, with what worthy thanks we render to God and embrace you in the love of Christ from the heart, believing for certain by the examples of your studies that the church of God is being promoted for the better and that, by your prayers and those of your like and by the mercy of Christ coming to help, it can be snatched away even from imminent dangers. You know, brother: if the prayer of the righteous prevailed with God, what then of the righteous? It will prevail indeed, nay it will obtain without doubt what it has asked. By the very authority of truth we are compelled to confess this also: "Knock," he says, "and it shall be opened to you; ask and you shall receive." Knock simply, ask simply, even those things which are pleasing to them.

Simplex est ostium, simplex dator; uult peti simplicia et quae sibi conueniant. Hoc modo aperietur, hoc modo accipietis, hoc modo iustorum exaudietur oratio. Vnde uolumus tuam tuorumque fraternitatem assidue Deum orare ut aecclesiam suam et nos qui ei licet indigni praesidemus ab instantibus hereticorum oppressionibus eripiat et illos errore dimisso ad uiam ueritatis reducat.

The door is simple, the giver simple; he wishes to be asked for simple things and those which are fitting to him. In this manner it will be opened, in this manner you will receive, in this manner the prayer of the righteous will be heard. Wherefore we desire that you and your fraternity continually pray to God that he may snatch away his church and us, who although unworthy preside over it, from the pressing oppressions of the heretics, and may bring those, their error dismissed, back to the way of truth.

Querimoniam apud nos fecit quidam peregrinus de quodam conuerso tuo. "Iustus Dominus et iusticias dilexit, aequitatem uidit uultus eius." Imitare Dominum tuum, imitare magistrum a quo habes doctrinam uitae. Praecipimus et nos ut ei iusticiam facias coram Huberto dilecto filio nostro et, ut intelleximus, amico tuo.

A certain pilgrim made a complaint to us about a certain convert of yours. "The Lord is righteous and has loved righteousness; his countenance sees equity." Imitate your Lord, imitate the master from whom you have the doctrine of life. We also enjoin that you do justice to him before Hubert, our beloved son and, as we understand, your friend.

35 (luglio 1073/1079)

35 (July 1073/1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri R. Turonensi archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother R., archbishop of Tours, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Dilectissimus confrater noster Q. Nannetensis episcopus queritur quod abbas monasterii sancti Florentii partem diocesis suae iniuste sibi auferat et alteri episcopatui subdere praesumat. Redonensem etiam episcopum nichilominus de diocesi sua iniuriam maximam intulisse innotuit, et de aliis qui bona aecclesiac suae in Andegauensi episcopatu retinent; uolumus te diligenter operam dare quatenus ipse de his omnibus per te apostolica auctoritate fultum plenam iustitiam consequatur.

Our most beloved fellow-brother Q., bishop of Nantes, complains that the abbot of the monastery of Saint Florentius unjustly takes away part of his diocese from him and presumes to subject it to another bishopric. It is made known also that the bishop of Redon nevertheless has inflicted a very great injury on his diocese, and concerning others who retain the ecclesiastical goods of their church in the bishopric of Anjou; we desire that you give diligent attention so that he himself, by you upheld with apostolic authority, may obtain full justice in all these matters.

36 (luglio, 1073/1079)

36 (July, 1073/1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei B. uenerabili abbati salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the venerable abbot B., greeting and apostolic blessing.

Quicquid confrater noster Q. Namnetensis episcopus per scriptum monasterio uestro contulit nos priuilegio apostolicae sedis confirmauimus tam tibi quam successoribus tuis, et per eandem auctoritatem monasterium uestrum, salua iustitia eiusdem episcopi, omnia uobis ab eo collata in perpetuum tenere atque possidere sancimus.

Whatever our brother Q., Bishop of Nantes, has bestowed in writing upon your monastery, we have confirmed to you and to your successors by the privilege of the Apostolic See, and by the same authority we decree that your monastery, saving the justice/rights of the same bishop, shall hold and possess in perpetuity all things conferred on you by him.

37 (1078/1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo R. confratri et coepiscopo Turonensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ R., brother and co-bishop of Tours, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Visis dilectionis tuae litteris manifeste intelleximus quae sit tibi deuotio et qui amor erga matrem tuam sanctam Romanam aecclesiam. Doluisti enim atque compassus es eidem matri tuae ac nobis, non utcumque sed ut caritas exigit et sanctum membrum decet amplecti suum uenerabile caput, prout litterae ipsae testantur; et quia iuste ac digne doluisti, concessit tibi Deus inde cito uenire ad gaudium. Quapropter certus esto, quod pro hac digna iustaque deuotione quam sancto pectore geris, a Romana aecclesia et nobis eam uicissitudinem semper omnibus diebus uitae nostrae habebis, ut in omnibus aecclesiae tuae honori prouidere semper simus parati, et ad quascumque ipsius utilitates nostrum auxilium imploraueris, impromptos nos ad succurrendum siue subueniendum aecclesiae tuae uel tibi habere minime poteris.

Having seen the letters of your affection we plainly understood what devotion you have and what love toward your mother the holy Roman Church. For you grieved and showed compassion toward that same mother of yours and toward us, not in any random way but as charity demands, and as becomes a holy member to embrace its venerable head, as the letters themselves testify; and because you grieved rightly and worthily, God granted you thereby to come quickly to joy. Wherefore be certain that for this worthy and just devotion which you bear in a holy heart, from the Roman Church and from us you will always have that reciprocity on all the days of our life, so that in all things we may always be ready to provide for the honor of your church, and as to whatever its needs you shall have entreated our aid, you will in no wise be able to have us unready to succor or to come to the help of your church or of you.

De caetero de causa comitis Fulconis quia ad uotum tuae fraternitatis minime ad praesens forsitan respondemus, non miretur religio tua seu aliquo modo perturbetur; praestolamur enim Cluniacensem abbatem ad nos in proximo peruenturum, propiciante Domino, cui omne negotium uestrum superimponere decreuimus, ut ipse communicato tecum atque cum Diensi episcopo iusticia salua consilio quod melius fuerit inde diffiniat, ita tamen ut aecclesia tua ab infestationibus eiusdem comitis refrigerio pociatur.

Henceforth concerning the case of Count Fulco, since we may not at present perhaps answer to the petition of your fraternity, let not your devotion be amazed nor in any way disturbed; for we await the Cluniac abbot to come to us shortly, by the favour of the Lord, to whom we have decreed to superimpose all your business, that he, having conferred with you and with the Diensian bishop, with justice preserved and counsel, may decide what will be better therefrom, provided nevertheless that your church be refreshed and relieved from the infestations of that same count.

38 (marzo 1080)

38 (March 1080)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri Landrico Matisconensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother Landric, bishop of Matisconum, health and apostolic blessing.

Mirari ualde compellimur quomodo fraternitas tua, persuasione clericorum sicut audiuimus, in confirmatione priuilegiorum Cluniensis ecclesiae episcopo Albanensi legationem nostram ferenti inobediens extiterit, praesertim cum etiamsi aliquid, quod non credimus, inconsultius tibi irrogare uoluisset, quidquid esset pro reuerentia apostolicae sedis ferre decuisset. Itaque propter bonam uitam et pastoralem uigilantiam qua circa ecclesiam tibi commissam desudas, hanc culpam supportantes, praecipimus tibi quatenus, uocatis de melioribus monachis Cluniensis ecclesiae, ad communem locum inter Matisconem et Cluniacum uenias, ut in praesentia illorum praedictum priuilegium confirmes, et sic in episcopali officio restitutus adiuuante Domino populum tuum ualeas consolari. De caetero fraternitatem tuam paterno affectu quo eam amplectimur admonemus ne improbitati uel leuitati clericorum tuorum ulterius credulus existas, sed meis, qui te non tua diligo, potius quam illorum consiliis acquiescas.

We are greatly amazed how your fraternity, by the persuasion of clerics as we have heard, proved disobedient to our legation bearing to the bishop of Albi in the confirmation of the privileges of the church of Cluny, especially since even if anything — which we do not believe — had been desirous to be imposed on you rashly and without counsel, whatever it was ought to have been borne for the reverence of the apostolic see. Therefore, for the sake of the good life and pastoral vigilance with which you toil about the church committed to you, bearing this fault we command you that, having summoned from the better monks of the church of Cluny, you come to the common place between Matiscon and Cluniacum, so that in their presence you may confirm the aforesaid privilege, and thus, restored to the episcopal office and aided by the Lord, you may be able to console your people. Henceforth we admonish your fraternity with the fatherly affection with which we embrace it that you be no longer credulous to the wickedness or levity of your clerics, but rather acquiesce to my counsels, which love you not less than your own, rather than to the counsels of those men.

Quod si feceris scias profecto quod nos ecclesiam tibi commissam praeiudicium sustinere nullatenus patiemur. Interim autem sine omni inquietudine et discordia uos et abbas Cluniensis pacifice maneatis, donec coram uicario Diensi episcopo huiusmodi lis religiosarum personarum consilio terminetur, aut, si illud non potuerit fieri, nos utraque parte uocata et causa diligenter discussa, auxiliante gratia Dei, finem congruum imponere ualeamus. Clerici autem qui spiritu superbiae ducti contra legatum nostrum Albanensem episcopum turbam fecerunt et archiepiscopum Viennensem a Cluniaco reuertentem ablatis rebus suis contumeliose inuaserunt, apud Cluniacum nudis pedibus ante altare sancti Petri satisfaciant, et sic emendatis moribus absoluantur.

But if you do this, know certainly that we will by no means suffer the church committed to you to endure prejudice. Meanwhile, without any disturbance or discord you and the abbot of Cluny shall remain at peace, until before the vicar, the Bishop of Die, such a dispute concerning the religious persons be determined by the counsel of them, or, if that cannot be done, that we, both sides having been summoned and the case carefully debated, with the help of God’s grace, may be able to impose a fitting end. As for the clerics who, led by a spirit of pride, made a tumult against our legate, Bishop Albanensis, and who, on the return of the Archbishop of Vienne from Cluny, insultingly attacked him having taken away his goods, let them do penance at Cluny with bare feet before the altar of Saint Peter, and thus, their morals corrected, be absolved.

39 (marzo, 1080)

39 (March, 1080)

Domnus ac beatissimus papa Gregorius VII anno pontificatus sui septimo in basilica Lateranensi quae et Constantiniana dicitur in honore Saluatoris et beati Iohannis Baptiste consilium generale celebrans, indicto cunctis silentio, surrexit et dixit: Noueritis, fratres et consacerdotes nostri, immo tota haec sancta synodus cognoscat et sciat, quia cum ultra montes multa sint monasteria ad honorem Dei omnipotentis et beatorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli nobiliter et religiose fundata, inter omnia quoddam in illis partibus habetur, quod quasi peculiare et proprium beato Petro et huic aecclesiae speciali iure adheret, Cluniaticum uidelicet, ad honorem et tutelam huius sanctae et apostolicae sedis ab ipsis primordiis principaliter adsignatum, et faciente diuina clementia sub religiosis et sanctis abbatibus ad id usque dignitatis et religionis peruenit, ut ceteris monasteriis, quamuis multis antiquioribus, quantum ipse cognosco, in Dei seruitio et spiritali feruore praecellat, et nullum in terra illa quod ego sciam huic omnino ualeat adaequari. Nullus enim abbas umquam ibi fuit qui sanctus non fuisset. Quod abbates et monachi huius semper aecclesiae filii in nullo degeneres extiterunt, nec curuauerunt genua sua ante Bahal nec Bahalim, nec Geroboam, sed huius sanctae Romanae sedis libertatem dignitatemque imitantes, quam ab origine traxerunt, nobiliter sibi per successionis seriem auctoritatem seruauere.

The lord and most blessed pope Gregory VII, in the seventh year of his pontificate, holding a general council in the Lateran basilica, which is also called the Constantiniana, in honor of the Savior and of blessed John the Baptist, having bid all to silence, rose and said: Know, brethren and our priests, nay, let this whole holy synod recognize and know, that although beyond the mountains there are many monasteries nobly and religiously founded to the honor of Almighty God and of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, among them all a certain one in those parts is held, which, as it were peculiar and proper to blessed Peter, adheres to this church by special right, namely the Cluniac, assigned principally from its beginnings to the honor and protection of this holy and apostolic see, and by divine clemency, under religious and holy abbots, has come to such dignity and religion that it excels the other monasteries, though many of them are older, in the service of God and in spiritual fervor, as far as I know, and there is none in that land, that I know, which can at all be equal to it. For there was never an abbot there who was not holy. The abbots and monks of this house have always shown themselves in no respect degenerate as sons of this church, nor did they bend their knees before Bahal nor Bahalim, nor Geroboam, but imitating the liberty and dignity of this holy Roman see, which they drew from their origin, they nobly preserved authority for themselves by a succession of successors.

Non enim alicui umquam alienae uel terrenae potestati colla subdiderunt, in sola beati Petri et huius aecclesiae subiectione defensioneque permanentes. Et idcirco uolumus atque apostolica auctoritate firmamus et contradicimus, ut nulla umquam persona, parua uel magna, siue potestas aliqua, non archiepiscopus, non episcopus, nullus regum, ducum, marchionum, principum, comitum, nec etiam aliquis legatus meus, supra illum locum et monasterium umquam buccam suam aperiat aliquamue exerceat potestatem. Verum iuxta tenorem priuilegii nostri et antecessorum nostrorum auctoritatem, et libertatis immunitatem sibi ab hac sede concessam integram perpetuamque omnino possideat, ut tantummodo sub alis apostolicis ab omni aestu et turbine inpugnationis respiret, et in gremio huius sancta aecclesiae, ad honorem omnipotentis Dei et beatorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli in perpetuum dulcissime quiescat.

For they have never bowed their necks to any alien or earthly power, remaining in the sole subjection and defence of blessed Peter and of this church. And therefore we will and by apostolic authority confirm and forbid, that no person whatsoever, small or great, whether any power, neither archbishop, nor bishop, none of kings, dukes, marquises, princes, counts, nor even any legate of mine, may ever open his mouth over that place and monastery or exercise any authority there. But according to the tenor of our privilege and the authority of our predecessors, and the liberty and immunity granted to it by this see, let it possess them whole and perpetual, so that it may only breathe under the apostolic wings free from every surge and storm of assault, and in the bosom of this holy church, to the honour of Almighty God and of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, may sweetestly rest for ever.

Et ita uertens se domnus papa ad dextram partem sinodalis conuentus, percunctatus est eos dicens: "Placet ita uobis ? Iaudatis ?" Responderunt: "Placet, laudamus." Vertens se iterum in sinistram eodem modo interrogauit. Eodem quoque modo responsum est a sancto conuentu: "Placet, laudamus." Post haec uerba stando in throno pontificali perorata domnus papa assedit.

And thus turning to the right side of the synodal assembly, the lord pope questioned them, saying: "Does this please you thus? Do you approve?" They answered: "It pleases, we approve." Turning again to the left he asked in the same way. In the same manner the holy assembly also answered: "It pleases, we approve." After these words, and after the peroration had been finished while he was standing on the pontifical throne, the lord pope sat down.

40 (prima del 23 dicembre 1080)

40 (before 23 December 1080)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei clero, vicecomiti Aymerico, nec non uniuerso populo Narbonensi. Apostolicam benedictionem libenter mandaremus si in apostolicae sedis reatum incurrisse uos non cognosceremus. Verum, ubi ab eadem uos resipuisse excommunicatione cognouerimus et archiepiscopalem patri uestro Dalmatio obedientiam exhibere, benedictionem beati Petri mandabimus.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the clergy, to Viscount Aymeric, and to the whole people of Narbonne. We would gladly send the Apostolic benediction if we did not recognize that you had incurred a guilt against the Apostolic See. But when we shall have learned from that same source that you have been restored from excommunication and have shown obedience to your archiepiscopal father Dalmatio, we will send the blessing of blessed Peter.

Sicut nouit prudentia uestra, inimicus humani generis ecclesiam uestram malis et simoniacis pastoribus inuasam quasi ius proprium longo tempore possedit. Sed condolentes necessitati ac periculo uestro, bonum et legalem pastorem uobis praeficiendum censuimus, non aliunde sed per ostium, id est per Christum, intrantem. Qui enim aliter, id est sine Christo, ingrediuntur, fures sunt et latrones, ad hoc constituti, ut gregem dominicum mactent et perdant.

As your prudence knows, the enemy of the human race has invaded your church with evil and simoniacal pastors and has possessed it as though his own right for a long time. But, pitying your necessity and peril, we have judged that a good and lawful pastor ought to be set over you, not from elsewhere but entering by the door, that is, by Christ. For those who enter otherwise, that is, without Christ, are thieves and robbers, appointed for this purpose, to maim and destroy the Lord’s flock.

Hic itaque, apostolicae sedis benedictione et auctoritate confirmatus, per exemplum laudandae conuersationis suae et documentum praedicationis quidquid culpa et iniuria malorum pontificum inter uos commissum est, Deo auxiliante, poterit corrigere uosque bonus pastor summo pastori deuotissime commendare. Admonemus itaque prudentiam uestram ut eum quem legaliter ecclesia Romana uobis constituit honeste et cum beneuolentia recipiatis et ei sicut spirituali patri et archiepiscopo obedientiam et reuerentiam impendatis, memores dominici sermonis fideles suos commendantis: "Qui uos audit, me audit; et qui uos spernit, me spernit." Neque enim uos ignorare uoluimus quod si quis uestrum, quod non speramus, obedientiam sibi contradixerit, iram Dei et uindictam beati Petri ad periculum suum prouocabit; et sententiam excommunicationis in Tolosa synodo a legatis nostris promulgatam apostolica auctoritate confirmabimus. Qui uero obediens fuerit, gratia et benedictione eiusdem apostolicae sedis gaudebit.

Therefore here, confirmed by the blessing and authority of the apostolic see, by the example of his praiseworthy conversation and by the testimony of his preaching, whatever by the fault and injury of bad pontiffs has been committed among you, God assisting, the good pastor will be able to correct, and will most devoutly commend you to the supreme pastor. We therefore admonish your prudence that him whom the Roman Church has legally constituted for you you receive honorably and with benevolence, and that to him, as to your spiritual father and archbishop, you render obedience and reverence, mindful of the Lord’s saying when he commends his faithful: "Qui vos audit, me audit; et qui vos spernit, me spernit." Nor did we wish you to be ignorant that if any one of you, which we do not expect, shall contradict obedience to him, he will provoke the wrath of God and the vengeance of blessed Peter to his own peril; and we will confirm by apostolic authority the sentence of excommunication promulgated at the synod of Tolosa by our legates. But whoever shall be obedient will rejoice in the grace and blessing of the same apostolic see.

41 (1080)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei H. Teruanensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem, si decretis apostolicae sedis scienter non resistit.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to H., bishop of Teruana, greeting and apostolic blessing, provided he does not knowingly resist the decrees of the apostolic see.

Clamor ct querimonia filiorum aecclesiae tuae peruenit ad aures nostras te contra decreta nostra immo sanctorumque patrum consensisse fornicationi clericorum, addentes etiam quod pueris illorum qui nolunt consentire huic iniquitati interdicis babtismum et mortuis sepulturam. Quod nos graue ferentes auctoritate apostolorum Petri et Pauli tibi praecipimus, ut hoc ita a te emendetur ut amplius ex hac re querela ad nos non ueniat. Insuper tibi praecipimus ut ad synodum quam Deo auctore in prima ebdomada quadragesimae celebraturi sumus omni occasione postposita uenias.

A cry and complaint of the sons of your church has reached our ears, that you have consented, contrary to our decrees and indeed to the holy fathers, to the fornication of clerics, adding also that you forbid baptism to the boys of those who will not consent to this iniquity and deny burial to their dead. Which thing, we judging grievous, by the authority of the apostles Peter and Paul command you that this be so corrected by you that no further complaint on this matter come to us. Moreover we command you to come to the synod which, God being author, we are to hold in the first week of Lent, putting aside every other occasion.

42 (1081)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus fratribus in monasterio sanctae Mariae Vrbionensi constitutis salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all the brothers established in the monastery of Saint Mary of Urbio, greeting and apostolic blessing.

De controuersia que inter uos et consacerdotem nostrum R. orta est, Deo auxiliante, certum finem componemus, ita ut nullam contra eum murmurationis occasionem habeatis. Certum siquidem sit uobis nos nullam in monasterio uestro praedicto legato nostro R. contra libertatem aecclesiae uestrae dominationem dedisse, sed hoc sibi concessisse ut, si uos ab monastica discederetis religione, liceret ei uice nostra corrigere. De cetero admonemus et apostolica auctoritate praecipimus ut confratri nostro Dalmatio archiepiscopo debitam solitamque impendatis obedientiam et eum benigne et honeste suscipientes in patrem et abbatem habeatis ut, sicut ante episcopalem ordinationem subditi sibi fuistis, ita deinceps regimini et magisterio suo subdamini.

Concerning the controversy which has arisen between you and our consecrated priest R., with God assisting, we will compose a certain end, such that you have no occasion for murmuring against him. Be it certain to you indeed that we have not given in your monastery to our aforesaid legate R. any dominion against the liberty of your church, but have granted him this, that if you were to depart from the monastic religion, it would be lawful for him to correct in our stead. Henceforth we admonish and by apostolic authority command that to our brother Dalmatio, the archbishop, you render the due and customary obedience, and receiving him kindly and honorably hold him as father and abbot, so that, as you were subject to him before his episcopal ordination, so henceforward you submit yourselves to his rule and teaching.

Cum autem, Deo annuente, archiepiscopatum suum habuerit in pace, ipse ad nos ueniet adducens quosdam ex uobis, et aecclesia uestra ad honorem et uestram libertatem ordinabitur.

But when, God consenting, he shall have held his archbishopric in peace, he himself will come to us bringing certain of you, and your church will be ordained to honor and to your liberty.

43 (1081?)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei P. abbati Ficeclensi et R. praeposito Campomaldi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to P., abbot of Ficeclense, and R., provost of Campomaldo, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Petiuit religio uestra quatinus Vgicionem Bulgarelli filium de reatu suo non resipiscentem neque culpam suam confitentem sic absoluamus. Vos autem satis nouistis quia carum ipsum habere usque ad hoc graue facinus suum soliti fuimus, et certe ultra caeteros sui ordinis principes Tusciae antehac eum dileximus, eo quod ipse more patris sui bonos defendere et religionem in potestate sua plantare prae caeteris studuit. Vnde si quomodo rationabiliter postulationi uestrae possemus annuere, profecto tum propter praedictam bonitatem suam et preces uxoris suae, tum propter petitiones uestras eum libenter absolueremus.

Your religious house has requested that we absolve Ugicionem, son of Bulgarellus, of his guilt, who is not repenting nor confessing his fault. You, however, well know that we have been accustomed to hold him dear even up to this grievous crime of his, and certainly beyond the other princes of his order in Tuscia we formerly loved him, because he, after the manner of his father, strove more than others to defend good men and to plant religion in his power. Wherefore, if in any reasonable manner we could assent to your petition, assuredly both on account of his aforesaid goodness and the prayers of his wife, and because of your petitions, we would willingly absolve him.

Verum neque ratio aut consuetudo sanctae aecclesiae hoc habet neque sanctorum patrum nos ad hoc inducit exemplum, ut iuste et canonice excommunicatus culpam suam non agnoscens nec ex corde ueniam petens mereatur absolui. Nisi enim quis ex intimo corde penitens reatum suum confiteatur, inutilis est absolutio nec dicenda nisi deceptio. Quod autem ipse comes ad malitiae suae defensionem se iniuste et ob alicuius gratiam dicit excommunicatum, perpendat et ex sanctorum patrum sententiis diligenter inquirat quid de conspiratoribus ipsi statuerint, et cum se in sacrilega conspiratione Lucensium fuisse meminerit, desinat ad augmentum mali flagitium suum maximeque defendere.

But neither reason nor the custom of the holy church has this, nor do the examples of the holy fathers lead us to this: that one justly and canonically excommunicated, not acknowledging his guilt nor seeking pardon from the heart, should deserve to be absolved. For unless someone penitent from the inmost heart confesses his guilt, absolution is useless and must be called nothing but deception. Moreover let the count himself, who says that he was excommunicated unjustly and for the sake of some favour in defence of his malice, ponder this and diligently inquire from the sentences of the holy fathers what they have decided concerning co-conspirators; and when he remembers that he was in the sacrilegious conspiracy of the Lucensians, let him cease to augment his shameful crime and above all to defend it.

Adhuc enim quod non minus est graue, quia episcopum Lucensem legaliter et canonice ordinatum de aecclesia sua expelli consensit uel permisit, merito in se anathematis gladium prouocauit. Enimuero nollemus nos ullam uel minimam personam pro qua Christus sanguinem suum fudit non dictante iustitia excommunicare, si sciremus ob id oportere nos aut exilium subire aut usque ad sanguinis effusionem deuenire. Permaxime autem ut praefatus comes ad paenitentiam sicut Christianum oportet de tanto facinore conuerteretur, optaremus profecto grande incommodum uel infirmitatem personae nostrae accidere.

Moreover, and what is no less grave, in that he consented or permitted that the bishop of Lugo, legally and canonically ordained, be expelled from his church, he rightly drew upon himself the sword of anathema. For we would be unwilling to excommunicate any person, however little, for whom Christ poured out his blood, without justice speaking, if we knew that thereby we ought either to suffer exile or even to come to the effusion of blood. Above all, however, since we would wish that the aforesaid count be converted to penance as becomes a Christian for so great a crime, we would certainly prefer that some great inconvenience or infirmity of our person befall us.

Proinde sanctitatem uestram inuitamus atque rogamus ut specialiter pro eo ad Dominum preces effundere cotidie memineritis, quatinus diuina pietas cor et mentem illius uisitet, compungat, et ad penitentiam conuertat, ut de culpis suis resipiscens gemens et indulgentiam poscens in reliquum per bonorum operum exercitia in membris sanctae aecclesiae digne possit connumerari.

Therefore we invite and beseech your holiness that you especially remember to pour forth prayers to the Lord for him daily, so that divine piety may visit his heart and mind, humble him, and convert him to penitence; that, repentant of his faults, groaning and asking for indulgence, he may henceforth by the practice of good works be worthily reckoned among the members of the holy Church.

44 (1081/1082)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei V. Diensi episcopo et R. Cardinali et abbati salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to V., bishop of Diensis, and R., Cardinal and abbot, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Aquensis archidiaconus A. Queritur quod archiepiscopus W. et A. legatus noster nec non episcopus Vasantensis insurgunt aduersus ecclesiam suam et ecclesias quasdam eiusdem episcopatus sui auferunt et uiolenter inuadunt. Ausciensis quoque archiepiscopus et Amatus episcopus literis suis nobis significauere ab Aquensibus easdem ecclesias proprietati Olorensis ecclesiae ab antiquo tempore pertinuisse. Vnde fraternitati uestrae iniungimus ut, si potestis ambo, sin autem unus in competenti loco eorum negotium audiat atque, canonicis rationibus diligenter utrimque perscrutatis, Deo placentem et iustitiae congruum finem imponat.

The archdeacon of Aquensis, A., complains that the archbishops W. and A., our legate, and likewise the bishop of Vasantensis rise up against his church and carry off and violently invade certain churches of that same bishopric. The archbishop of Ausciensis and Bishop Amatus also, by their letters, have informed us that those same churches have belonged to the proprietary rights of the church of Olorensis from ancient times. Whence we enjoin your fraternity that, if you both are able, or if only one of you, in a competent place hear their business and, after diligently examining both sides with canonical reasons, impose an end pleasing to God and congruent with justice.

45 (1082)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. glorioso Flandrensium comiti salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R., glorious count of the Flemings, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Notum tibi esse non dubitamus quantum nos hactenus nobilitatem tuam dilexerimus, cuius industriam inter ceteros Franciae principes satis honesta fama commendabat. Vnde quia bonis studiis tuis congratulamur, cum contraria de te referuntur multum profecto dolemus. Audiuimus nuper te cuidam clerico sacrilegio Lamberto, qui publice Taruanensem episcopatum mercatus est, contra uoluntatem clericorum illi ecclesiae imposito imo ab eis omnino iampridem repudiato assensisse, eique adiutorium et potestatem ecclesiam inuadendi praestitisse.

We do not doubt that it is known to you how greatly hitherto we have esteemed your nobility, whose industry among the other princes of France a sufficiently honorable fame commended. Wherefore, although we congratulate you on your good studies, because contrary things are reported about you we indeed grieve very much. We have recently heard that you assented to a certain sacrilegious cleric, Lambert, who publicly bargained for the bishopric of Taruanum, having been imposed against the will of the clerics of that church — indeed long since altogether repudiated by them — and gave him aid and power to invade the church.

De qualibus ipsa Veritas dicit: "Qui non intrat per ostium in ouile ouium sed ascendit aliunde, ille fur est et latro", et beatus papa Leo: "Non habeatur inter episcopos qui non fuerit a clero electus et a populo expetitus." Oportet ergo prudentiam tuam diuinae maiestatis omnipotentiam et districtionem prae oculis incessanter habere, nulliusque mortalium gratiam uel timorem illi praeferre cui et uitam et salutem et honorem tuum non ambigis te debere. Ergo quia te audiuimus admonitu fidelitatis quam regi Philippo feceras ad id periculose esse inductum, ex parte omnipotentis Dei praecipimus ut, si praedictus Lambertus tam nefariis modis ad episcopatum prorupit, nullatenus ei sacerdotalem obedientiam uel reuerentiam exhibeas, sed a male mercata et inuasa sede alienum et extorrem facere praefatis clericis amminiculando procures. Non enim te decet aestimare illa te adiuratione ad tam grauissimum scelus adstringi, quia perniciosius est illum per quem iuratur quam cui iuratur, et Deum quam hominem offendere.

Concerning whom the Truth itself says: "He who does not enter the sheepfold through the door but climbs up some other way, that one is a thief and a robber," and the blessed Pope Leo: "Let him not be reckoned among bishops who has not been elected by the clergy and sought by the people." Therefore it behooves your prudence to hold perpetually before your eyes the omnipotence and jurisdiction of the divine Majesty, and to prefer to it neither the favour nor the fear of any mortal, to whom you do not hesitate to owe your life and salvation and honour. Wherefore, because we heard from you by the admonition of fidelity which you gave to King Philip that this was being dangerously brought about, we by the authority of Almighty God command that if the aforesaid Lambert has broken upon the episcopate by such nefarious means, in no wise give him sacerdotal obedience or reverence, but by admonishing the aforesaid clerics procure that he be made alien and estranged and driven from the ill-bought and usurped see. For it becomes you not to deem that you are bound by that oath to so grave a crime, since it is more pernicious to offend by him through whom an oath is sworn than to offend the one to whom it is sworn, and to offend God than a man.

Simul ipse satis perpendis quia plus debetur animae quam corpori, et tunc profecto fidelitas perspicue magis seruatur iubenti quando salus animae eius corporeis commodis et iniquis praelata iussis magis attenditur. Age ergo ut non pro homine supplicium sed pro Dei timore expectare debeas praemium; atque sic praedictis clericis qui promotioni illius libere ex parte Dei contradixerunt opitulari eosque defendere procures, ut quanto te gratia diuina altius sublimauit, tanto magis et bonis fiduciam et prauis terrorem praebeas, ceterisque principibus te imitabilem reddas. Plumbeo sigillo idcirco signari literas istas noluimus, ne si forte caperentur ab impiis eodem sigillo posset falsitatis quippiam fieri.

You yourself will duly consider that more is owed to the soul than to the body, and then certainly fidelity is conspicuously better preserved in one who commands when the salvation of his soul is preferred to bodily comforts and to unjust orders. Therefore act so that you should expect a reward not for man but for the fear of God; and thus assist those aforesaid clerics who freely, on God’s behalf, opposed that promotion, and procure their defence, so that by how much divine grace has exalted you higher, by so much more you may show trust to the good and terror to the wicked, and make yourself an example to the other princes. For this reason we do not wish these letters to be sealed with a leaden seal, lest if they should by chance be seized by the impious anything of falsity could be made by the same seal.

46 (1082)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei clero et populo Taruanensis ecclesiae, praecipueque nobili comiti R., salutem et apostolicam benedictionem, si obedierint.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the clergy and people of the Taruanensis church, and especially to the noble count R., greetings and the apostolic blessing, if they obey.

Sicut aliis literis misimus, non ignorat solertia tua nos iamdudum te satis diligere propterea quod te bonis studiis inter ceteros Franciae principes, fama ferente, audiuimus eminere. Nam potioris erga te dilectionis habendae causa nobis haec extitit, quia te christianae religionis amatorem ecclesiasticaeque disciplinae et honoris suffragatorem ac defensorem in quibusdam cognouimus. Vnde cum a solita probitate contraria forte audiuimus, quantum doleamus prudentia tua satis perpendit.

As we have sent in other letters, your prudence knows well that we long since esteem you sufficiently, because we have heard by report that you stand out among the other princes of France for good studies. For this came to be a reason for us to hold a greater affection toward you, since we have known you in certain matters to be a lover of the Christian religion and of ecclesiastical discipline and a supporter and defender of honor. Wherefore, when by your usual probity we have perhaps heard contrary things, your prudence sufficiently weighs how much we grieve.

Nuper uero de te quoddam nobis innotuit, quod, sicut a priscis moribus tuis alienum, ita quoque penitus credere uisum fuit indignum, uidelicet quod contradicentibus Taruanensis ecclesiae clericis renitentibusque, tua protectione auxilioque fretus, quidam Lambertus illius ecclesiae sedem inuaserit. Qui publice simoniacus, aperte diuini muneris emptor, quanto se in tali negotio turpiorem et impudentiorem ostendit, tanto tuum non fauorem sed zelum, non opem sed repulsionem experiri debuit. Verum quia obstante rege, sub specie timoris ne peierares, ad id mali inductus fuisse diceris, idcirco iampridem et nunc literis te admonere censuimus quatinus, uanum timorem abiiciendo, quod iure metuendum uidetur attenderes.

Recently, however, something about you became known to us which, as alien to your former morals, also seemed utterly unworthy of belief, namely that, despite the objections of the clerics of the Taruanense church and their resistance, and relying on your protection and aid, a certain Lambertus had invaded the see of that church. He, publicly a simoniac, openly a purchaser of a divine munus, the more he showed himself base and impudent in such a business, the more he ought to have experienced not your favor but zeal, not assistance but repulsion. But because, with the king opposing, you are said to have been induced to that evil under the appearance of fear lest you should perjure yourself, therefore we have judged it right long since, and now by this letter, to admonish you that, casting off vain fear, you might attend to what ought rightly to be feared.

Nouerit ergo prudentia tua fidelitatem terreno domino tunc non recte seruari cum coelestis Domini et Creatoris gratia per illam probatur offendi, et si corpori multo amplius animae, si mortali homini multo maxime sempiterno Deo fidem et deuotionem deberi. Proinde tam nobilitati tuae quam et praefatae ecclesiae clero et populo ex parte beati Petri praecipimus ut praedicto Lamberto nullam episcopalem reuerentiam exhibeatis, sed ipsum uelut furem et latronem existimantes ab inuasa sede propellere, fautoresque ipsius donec resipuerint cohibere procuretis. Quod si se praedictus inuasor ferre praeiudicium dixerit et de re sua non ita esse ut dicitur, se posse probare existimauerit, audientiam legati nostri Diensis immo Lugdunensis archiepiscopi petat, quatenus per competentem illius discussionem iustumque iudicium obtinere quod postulat aequitas ualeat.

Let your prudence therefore know that fidelity to an earthly lord ought not then to be observed when thereby the grace of the heavenly Lord and Creator is proved to be offended, and if to the body much more, to the soul, if to a mortal man far less than to the eternal God faith and devotion are owed. Wherefore we command both to your nobility and to the clergy and people of the aforesaid church on the part of blessed Peter that you show no episcopal reverence to the said Lambert, but, esteeming him as a thief and robber, drive him from the usurped see, and take care to restrain his supporters until they have come to their senses. But if the aforesaid usurper shall say that he suffers wrong and believes that his case is not as reported, and shall deem himself able to prove it, let him seek the hearing of our legate, indeed the Archbishop of Lyon, so that by a competent examination and a just judgment he may obtain what equity can avail.

47 (1082/1083)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. glorioso Flandrensium comiti dilecto in Christo filio salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R., glorious count of the Flemings, beloved son in Christ, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Iam saepius excellentiae tuae scripsimus super causa clericorum Taruanensis ecclesiae E. praepositi, S. decani, I. diaconi et reliquorum quos, malignorum mortiferis suggestionibus, bonis propriis priuatos in exilium pro obedientia apostolica detrusisti, ut eos ad integrum sicut iustum est restaurares, et illum haereticum L. depositum et excommunicatum amplius non sustentares sed magis ecclesiam captiuatam de eius tyrannide et oppressione liberares. Quod quia, sicut illi adhuc lacrymabiliter conqueruntur, nondum pleniter peregisti, crebris querimoniis eorum fatigati adhuc nobilitati tuae mandamus et ex parte Dei et apostolorum principis praecipimus ut ecclesiam de praedicto antichristi membro eripias, clericisque praefatis sua omnia clementer restituas, et gratiam tuam pristinam eis habere permittas, ut Deus omnipotens tibi suam gratiam hic et in futuro saeculo tribuat, et beatus Petrus ad cuius praesentiam confugium fecerunt ianuas coeli post huius uitae felicem terminum tibi aperiat.

We have already oftentimes written to your excellency concerning the case of the clerics of the Taruanensis church — E. the provost, S. the dean, I. the deacon, and the rest whom, by the deadly suggestions of wicked men, you have deprived of their goods and driven into exile for apostolic obedience, asking that you restore them to full right as is just, and that you no longer support that heretic L., deposed and excommunicated, but rather free the church, held captive, from his tyranny and oppression. Since, as they still lament tearfully, you have not yet fully completed this, we, wearied by their frequent complaints, nevertheless entrust it to your nobility and, on behalf of God and of the prince of the apostles, command that you snatch the church from the aforesaid member of the Antichrist, and kindly restore to the said clerics all their goods, and permit them to have your former favor, so that Almighty God may grant you his grace here and in the world to come, and that blessed Peter, to whose presence they have fled for refuge, may open to you the gates of heaven after a happy end of this life.

48 (1082)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R uenerabili Turonensi archiepiscopo, salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R., venerable Archbishop of Tours, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Audiuimus quod Cenomanensi electo, cuius consecratio ad ius tuac ecclesiae pertinet, consecrari per te cupienti tua fraternitas mundani timoris intuitu imponere manum renuerit, metuens scilicet ne propter hoc comes Andegauensis offenderetur; quae res a sacerdotali, praecipue pontificali, sublimitate quam procul esse debeat beatus Gregorius in septimo libro Moralium de ueritate loquens id quod de iustitia nihilominus intelligi conueniat his uerbis ostendit: "Iste namque ueritatem iam libenter defendere appetit, sed tamen in ipso suo appetitu trepidus indignationem potestatis humanae pertimescit, cumque in terra hominem contra ueritatem pauet, eiusdem ueritatis iram coelitus sustinet." Proinde prudentiam tuam monemus et apostolica auctoritate praecipimus ut praelibatum electum consecrare nisi canonica ratio contradicat, postposita saecularis offensionis occasione, non ulterius recuses aut negligas. Denique potius tibi timendum est ne, si magis pauori quam iustitiae obsequi deliberaueris, et ille sicut aequum fuerit ab alio consecretur, et Turonensis ecclesia per tuam segnitiem, quod absit, honoris sui detrimentum sentire incipiat.

We have heard that the elect of Cenomanum, whose consecration pertains to the right of your church, when desiring to be consecrated by you, your fraternity refused to lay on hand because of worldly fear, fearing indeed that thereby the count of Anjou might be offended; which matter the blessed Gregory, speaking in the seventh book of the Morals on truth what ought nevertheless to be understood about justice, shows by these words how far it should be from sacerdotal, and especially pontifical, sublimity: "For this man indeed now gladly desires to defend the truth, yet in his very desire he is trembling and dreads the indignation of human power; and since on earth a man is cowed against the truth, he bears from above the anger of that same truth." Therefore we admonish your prudence and by apostolic authority command that you do not further refuse or neglect to consecrate the elect already presented, unless canonical reason contradicts, accounting for the occasion of secular offence as postponed. Finally you ought rather to fear that, if you decide to yield more to dread than to justice, he may lawfully be consecrated by another, and the church of Tours, through your slowness, may begin, God forbid, to feel injury to its honour.

49 (1082)

Gregorius episcopus, seruus seruorum Dei, Hugoni et caeteris sanctae Radegundis clericis, salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to Hugh and the other clerics of Saint Radegund, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Peruenit ad audientiam nostram quod, apostolicae sedis authoritate calcata, priuilegia sanctae Radegundis monasterio sanctae Crucis ab antiquo concessa infringere conemini, dum neque debitum clericalis officii pensum praefato monasterio reuerenter, ut decet et priuilegiorum scripta testantur, exhibetis, et ecclesiam beatae Radegundis cum ordinationibus suis absque abbatissae licentia et authoritate tenere uelitis. Quam litem inter uos et abbatissam anno priore legati nostri, priuilegiorum tenore diligenter perspecto, episcoporum qui aderant iudicio canonice data sententia deciderunt, scilicet ut concessione et authoritate abbatissae sanctae Crucis, sicut firmiter in priuilegiis cautum est, sanctae Radegundis ecclesia cum suis ordinationibus omni uenalitate et spe quaestus procul remota, a uobis teneatur, et utrique ecclesiae competens seruitium persoluatur, ut neque uos ius ecclesiae sanctae Crucis nullatenus imminuatis, aut abbatissa aliquid uos cogat quod canonum autoritate respuere ualeatis. Qua definitione uos contentos esse opportere iudicamus, et ut neutrius partis transgressione conuellatur, beati Petri authoritate uehementer prohibemus quod, si deinceps de causa ulla ad nos proclamatio peruenerit, noueritis procul dubio ut obedientiae contemptores grauiore censura faciendos, et eos potissimum qui rectorum sedis apostolicae priuilegiorum authoritatem uiolare ausu temerario moliuntur.

It has come to our hearing that, the authority of the apostolic see having been trodden upon, you attempt to violate privileges granted long ago to the monastery of Saint Radegund of the Holy Cross, since you neither reverently render the due measure of clerical office to the aforesaid monastery, as becomes it and as the written privileges testify, nor do you wish to hold the church of blessed Radegund with its ordinations without the licence and authority of the abbess. The dispute between you and the abbess in the previous year, our legates having diligently examined the tenor of the privileges, with the judgment given canonically by the bishops who were present, was decided, namely that by concession and authority of the abbess of Holy Cross, as is firmly provided in the privileges, the church of Saint Radegund with its ordinations, with all traffic and hope of gain far removed, be held by you, and that the fitting service of each church be paid, so that neither do you in any way diminish the right of the church of Holy Cross, nor may the abbess compel you to anything which you might rightly refuse by the authority of the canons. We judge that you ought to be content with that decision, and lest either party be torn by transgression, by the authority of blessed Peter we vehemently prohibit that, and know without doubt that if henceforth any proclamation concerning the matter shall come to us, you shall be made, as contemners of obedience, subject to the graver censure, and especially those who, with reckless daring, attempt to violate the authority of the privileges of the see of the rulers of the apostolic seat.

Valete.

Farewell.

50 (1082?)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. uenerabili sanctae Romanae aecclesiae cardinali et abbati Massiliensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R., venerable of the holy Roman
church a cardinal and abbot of Massilia, greeting and apostolic
blessing.

Peruenit ad nos quod monachos illos qui aecclesiam sancti Saturnini non sine licencia proprii abbatis acceperant ac deinde compellente eos iussu maioris abbatis Cluniacensis eandem dimiserant, tua fraternitas illos postea quam satisfacientes exierint excommunicauit. Quod si ita est non parum de prudencia tua miramur. Vnde uolumus atque praecipimus ut tam illos ab excommunicationis uinculo soluas quam et de cetero ne tam leuiter in religiosos uiros huiusmodi sentenciam feras summopere cauere procures.

It has come to us that those monks who had received the church of Saint Saturninus not without the licence of their own abbot, and afterwards, when the superior abbot of Cluny by his order compelled them, had relinquished the same, your fraternity afterwards excommunicated them once they had gone forth having made satisfaction. If this is so, we marvel not a little at your prudence. Wherefore we wish and command that you both loose them from the bond of excommunication and moreover see to it with the greatest care that henceforth you do not so lightly pronounce such a sentence against religious men.

Quid est enim aliud quam auctoritati derogari, indiscrete uel temere in quasque honestas personas auctoritatis licentia uti? Quod ut de futuro uigilanter attendas solliciteque prouideas, iterum iterumque monemus.

For what is it else than to detract from authority, to use the license of authority indiscriminately or rashly against any and every respectable person? That you may henceforth watchfully attend to this and solicitously provide, we warn again and again.

51 (estate 1083)

51 (summer 1083)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei archiepiscopis episcopis et abbatibus in Gallia constitutis, qui in gremio sanctae Romanae ecclesiae permanere uidentur, salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the archbishops, bishops, and abbots established in Gaul, who in the bosom of the holy Roman Church seem to remain, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Quantas tribulationum angustias et persecutionum procellas ac pondera periculorum uniuersalis mater sancta Romana ecclesia temporibus istis perpessa sit quia credi uix potest ex maiori parte latet scientiam uestram. Ad haec quoque quid consolationis quidue suffragii per uos suos filios debitae compassionis perceperit, uos ipsi cognoscitis. Quod enim sine dolore uix possumus uel reminisci, ita caritas pene cunctorum circa eam refrixit ut haec tempora per euangelium praesignata quodam modo specialiter uideantur ubi dicitur: "Quoniam abundauit iniquitas refrigescet caritas multorum." Vnde quid aliud dixerim, nisi quod uos qui aut segniter neglexistis aut pauide refugistis matri uestrae in tanta pressura solatiari nomine filiorum indignos et caritatis uisceribus alienos uos ostendistis ? Quem uero pudorem uel potius quantum dolorem quisquis est sanae mentis non sentiat, cum consideret persecutores christianae religionis tanta factionis conspiratione sic omnimodis annisibus non solum res suas profundendo sed etiam se ipsos morti tradendo ad explendam animi atrocitatem huc usque desudasse, neminem autem uel uix paucissimos iustitiae fautores aut corporis laborem subire aut rerum dispendia pati aut de suis bonis opem matri ecclesiae ferre curauisse.

How great the narrownesses of tribulations and the storms of persecutions and the weights of dangers the universal mother, the holy Roman Church, has suffered in these times—so great that it can scarcely be believed; your knowledge of it remains for the most part hidden. To these things also what consolation or what succor her sons have received from you, due by compassion, you yourselves know. For what we can hardly, without pain, even recall or think of, so has the charity of almost all grown cold toward her that these times, prefigured in the Gospel in a certain manner, seem to be specially fulfilled where it is said: "Quoniam abundauit iniquitas, refrigescet caritas multorum." Wherefore what else shall I say, except that you who either sluggishly neglected or faintly shrank back from your mother in so great a pressure have shown yourselves unworthy of the name of sons and alien to the bowels of charity? But what shame, or rather how great a sorrow, would any one of sound mind not feel, when he considers that the persecutors of the Christian religion, by so great a conspiracy of faction, have in every way for years not only by squandering their own goods but even by surrendering themselves to death, to gratify the atrocity of their spirit, labored up to this point, and that no one, or scarcely a very few, defenders of justice have cared to endure bodily toil or suffer loss of goods or to bring aid to the mother Church out of their own possessions.

Verum utcumque uestra fraternitas sese habuerit, "benedictus Deus et pater domini nostri Ihesu Christi, pater misericordiarum et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra", qui nos ab aduersariorum manibus et persecutorum uiolentia protegens, hactenus in manu nostra iustitiam secundum testimonium conscientiae nostrae defendit atque potentiae suae uigore humanae infirmitatis imbecillitatem nostram corroborans, ad iniquitatem peruerti nos nullis promissionum blandiciis, nullis uexationum terroribus sinit. Ipsi ergo immensas gratias referimus qui nos infractos hucusque in pressurae tempestate conseruans ad quandam spem tranquillitatis sic liberis incessibus duxit, ut non nos contra principalem iustitiae intentionem egisse aut propria conscientia aut religiosorum uirorum qui nouerunt examinatio reprehendat.

But however your brotherhood has conducted itself, "blessed be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our tribulation," who, protecting us from the hands of adversaries and the violence of persecutors, has hitherto defended justice in our hands according to the testimony of our conscience, and, by the vigour of his power strengthening the weakness of our human infirmity, does not permit us to be turned toward iniquity by any blandishments of promises, nor by any terrors of vexations. To him therefore we render immense thanks, who, preserving us unbroken thus far in the tempest of pressure, has led us by free steps to a certain hope of tranquillity, so that neither our own conscience nor the examination of religious men who know [the facts] may reproach us as having acted against the principal intention of justice.

De caetero, fratres, ut causa iurgiorum et discordia quae inter apostolicam sedem et regnum iamdudum agitatur, annuente Domino, communi diligentia ualeat congruum finem sortiri, uos ad sinodum quam in medio Nouembri celebrare disposuimus praesentium litterarum conuocatione ex parte beati Petri apostolorum principis praecipientes inuitamus. Hoc etiam uestram fraternitatem scire uolumus quia, ut secure et ad nos uenire et in uestram patriam Deo protegente possitis redire, fideles nostri a maioribus qui nunc erant in curia Heinrici dicti regis iuramento securitatem receperunt. Desideramus enim una uobiscum tractare, diuino fulti auxilio, qualiter possimus pacem Dei firmare atque ad gremium matris ecclesiae scismaticos uia regia incedendo reuocare.

Furthermore, brethren, that the cause of quarrels and discord which has long been stirring between the apostolic see and the kingdom, with the Lord’s assent, by common diligence may attain a fitting end, we have arranged to hold a synod in mid-November and, by these present letters of convocation on behalf of blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, we earnestly summon you. We also wish your fraternity to know this: that, so that you may safely come to us and, God protecting you, return to your country, our faithful men have received security by oath from the magnates who are now in the court of Henry called king. For we desire to treat together with you, aided by divine help, how we may establish the peace of God and, by proceeding along the royal way, recall the schismatics to the bosom of Mother Church.

52 (1082/1083)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei canonicis sancti Martini Turonensis.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the canons of Saint Martin of Tours.

Quia legatis nostris et archiepiscopo uestro uos non obedire sed insuper eum expulisse audiuimus et ab eis uos esse excommunicatos ob culpam uestram didicimus, iccirco salutem et apostolicam benedictionem mittere uobis ausi non fuimus; cuius rei uos indignos existere, profecto plus uobis ipsi dolemus. Nam si animarum uestrarum curam gereretis, omnino nec illud praesumere nec, post flagitium tamdiu in impenitudine manere consilium haberetis. Quapropter paterna uos alloquutione monentes ex parte beati Petri praecipimus ut de tanto facinore digne satisfacientes praedictum fratrem nostrum archiepiscopum ad ecclesiam suam cum honore reducere procuretis, ac deinceps ei paternalem sicut decet reuerentiam exibentes obedire nullatenus detrectetis.

Because we have heard that you did not obey our legates and your archbishop but moreover expelled him, and have learned that you are excommunicated by them on account of your fault, therefore we did not venture to send you greeting and apostolic blessing; indeed we more deeply grieve that you are unworthy of it than you yourselves do. For if you were bearing the care of your souls, you would neither at all presume nor, after so great an outrage, entertain the counsel to remain so long in impenitence. Wherefore, admonishing you with paternal address in the name of blessed Peter, we command that, making worthy satisfaction for so great a crime, you take care to restore the aforesaid brother our archbishop to his church with honor, and thereafter, showing him paternal reverence as is fitting, in no wise refuse to obey him.

Praecipimus etiam uobis ut res tam ipsius archiepiscopi quam canonicorum sancti Mauricii in integrum restituatis, atque legatis nostris de cetero debitam obedientiam exibentes, et ab ipso comite excommunicato Fulcone et ab omnibus excommunicatis uos custodire uigilanter studeatis. Quod si nec his etiam mandatis salubribus obedire uolueritis, sententiam anathematis in uos confirmantes apostolice ultioni uos subiacere decernimus.

We likewise command you that you restore intact both the possessions of the archbishop himself and of the canons of Saint Maurice, and, henceforth rendering due obedience to our legates, that you diligently take care to keep yourselves from the count Fulco, who is excommunicated, and from all who are excommunicated. But if you are unwilling to obey even these salutary commands, we decree that, confirming the sentence of anathema against you, you shall submit to apostolic vengeance.

53 (1082/1083)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri H. Lugdunensi archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother H., archbishop of Lyon, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Ad notitiam tuam peruenisse non dubitamus qualiter Anglorum rex in fratrem et coepiscopum nostrum Baiocensem contra fas et honestum ausus est manum mittere eumque contra regiam modestiam reuerentiamque sacerdotalem impudenter captum et impudentius adhuc in custodia . . .

We do not doubt that it has come to your notice how the king of the English dared to lay hands upon our brother and co-bishop of Bayeux against right and honesty, and, having shamelessly seized him contrary to royal modesty and sacerdotal reverence, has even more shamelessly kept him in custody . . .

54 (luglio-novembre 1084)

54 (July-November 1084)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus in Christo fidelibus apostolicam sedem reuera diligentibus salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all the faithful in Christ who diligently revere the apostolic see, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Peruenit, fratres karissimi, peruenit ut estimamus ad notitiam uestram quia nostro tempore innouatum est quod in psalmis inquirendo dicitur: "Quare fremuerunt gentes, et populi meditati sunt inania? Astiterunt reges terrae, et principes conuenerunt in unum aduersus Dominum et aduersus christum eius." Principes enim gentium et principes sacerdotum cum magna multitudine convenerunt in unum aduersus Christum, omnipotentis Dei filium, et aduersus apostolum eius Petrum, ut christianam religionem extinguerent et hereticam prauitaten propagarent. Sed Deo miserante illos qui confidunt in Domino nullo terrore nullaque crudelitate uel mundanae gloriae promissione ad suam potuerunt deflectere impietatem.

It has come, most dear brothers, it has come, as we reckon, to your knowledge, for in our time that which is said in the Psalms upon inquiry has been renewed: "Why have the nations raged, and the peoples devised vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes were gathered together as one against the Lord and against his Christ." For the princes of the nations and the chief priests, with a great multitude, have come together as one against Christ, the Son of Almighty God, and against his apostle Peter, to extinguish the Christian religion and to spread heretical depravity. But, God showing mercy to those who trust in the Lord, they could by no terror, nor by any cruelty, nor by the promise of worldly glory turn them aside to their impiety.

Pro nulla quippe alia qualibet ratione contra nos inique conspirantes manus erexerunt nisi quia periculum sanctae ecclesiae noluimus silentio praeterire et his qui eandem sponsam Dei non erubescunt in seruitutem redigere. In omibus enim terris licet etiam pauperculis mulierculis suae patriae lege suaque uoluntate uirum accipere legitime; sanctae uero ecclesiae, quae est sponsa Dei et mater nostra, non licet secundum impiorum uotum et detestabilem consuetudinem diuina lege propriaque uoluntate suo sponso legaliter in terris adherere. Non enim pati debemus ut filii sanctae ecclesiae hereticis, adulteris, et inuasoribus quasi patribus subiciantur atque ab eis uelut adulterina infamia notentur.

For on no other, by any reason whatever, have hands unjustly risen up conspiring against us except because we would not allow the danger of the holy church to pass by in silence and would not submit those who do not shame to reduce that same bride of God into servitude. For in all lands it is lawful even for poor little women, by their fatherland’s law and by their own will, to take a husband legitimately; but for the holy church, which is the bride of God and our mother, it is not lawful according to the wish of the impious and their detestable custom, by divine law and by her own will, to adhere legally on earth to her spouse. For we ought not to endure that the children of the holy church be subjected to heretics, adulterers, and invaders as if to fathers, and be marked by them as with adulterine infamy.

Hinc multa mala, diuersa pericula, et inaudita crudelitatis scelera qualiter sint exorta a nostris legatis luce clarius ueraque relatione potestis addiscere, et si reuera doletis et contristamini de ruina chritianae religionis et confusione eique uultis manum praebere adiutorii, intrinsecus certo tacti dolore, ab eisdem instrui satis potestis. Sunt enim beato Petro fidelissimi et inter primos domus eius unusquisque in suo ordine adnumerati, qui nullo terrore nullaque temporalium rerum promissione potuerunt in aliquo ab eius fidelitate et defensione auelli et a gremio sanctae matris ecclesiae separari.

From this many evils, diverse dangers, and unheard-of crimes of cruelty have arisen; how they sprang up from our legates you can learn more clearly by light and by a true relation, and if indeed you grieve and are saddened at the ruin of the Christian religion and its confusion and wish to lend it a helping hand, being certainly inwardly touched with pain, you can be sufficiently instructed by those same men. For there are among the most faithful to Blessed Peter, and counted among the first of his household, individuals each reckoned in his order, who by no terror and by no promise of temporal things could in any way be torn from his fidelity and defense and separated from the bosom of the holy Mother Church.

Sed quia, sicut nouit uestra fraternitas, licet indigno et peccatori diuinitus per prophetam dicitur: "Super montem excelsum" et reliqua, et iterum: "Clama, ne cesses" uelim nolim, omni postposita uerecundia, timore quoque uel alicuius terreno amore, evangelizo, clamo, clamo, et iterum clamo et adnuncio uobis quia christiana religio et uera fides quam filius Dei de caelo ueniens per patres nostros nos docuit in secularem uersa prauam consuetudinem, heu pro dolor! ad nichilum pene deuenit et immutato antiquo colore, cecidit non solum in diaboli uerum etiam in Iudeorum Sarracenorum atque paganorum derisionem. Illi enim leges suas, licet hoc tempore ad nullam animarum salutem utiles, nullisque miraculis, sicut lex nostra aeterni regis frequenti attestatione, clarificatas et corroboratas, prout credunt obseruant.

But because, as your fraternity knows, although to an unworthy and sinful man it is divinely said through the prophet: "Super montem excelsum" and the rest, and again: "Clama, ne cesses"—whether I wish or not, with all modesty set aside, with fear also or some earthly love— I preach, I cry, I cry, and again I cry and announce to you that the Christian religion and true faith which the Son of God, coming from heaven, taught us through our fathers has, turned into a worldly perverse custom, alas, to our sorrow! almost come to nothing, and, without change of its ancient color, has fallen not only into the derision of the devil but also of the Jews, Saracens and pagans. For they observe their laws, although at this time useful for no salvation of souls and without miracles, while our law of the eternal King is, by frequent attestation, clarified and corroborated, as they believe.

Nos autem seculi inebriati amore et uana decepti ambitione, omni religione et honestate cupiditati atque superbiae postpositis, exleges et quasi fatui uidemur, quia praesentis uitae et futurae salutem et honorem sicut patres nostri non habemus nec etiam sicut oportet speramus. Et si sunt aliqui licet rarissimi qui Deum timeant, pro se utcumque non pro communi fratrum salute decertant prompta uoluntate. Qui uel quot sunt qui pro timore uel amore omnipotentis Dei, in quo uiuimus, mouemur, et sumus, tantum desudent uel usque ad mortem laborent, quantum seculares milites pro dominis suis uel etiam pro amicis et subditis?

We, however, drunken with the love of the world and deceived by vain ambition, with all religion and honesty put aside for cupidity and pride, seem lawless and as it were foolish, because the salvation and honour of present and future life we do not have as our fathers had nor even as is fitting do we hope. And if there are any, though very rare, who fear God, they contend for themselves in any case, not for the common welfare of the brethren, with ready willingness. Who, or how many are there, who for fear or love of Almighty God, in whom we live, are moved and exist, would sweat so much or labour even unto death as secular soldiers for their lords or even for friends and subjects?

Ecce multa milia hominum secularium pro dominis suis cotidie currunt in mortem; pro caelesti uero Deo et redemptore nostro non solum in mortem non currunt, uerum etiam quorumdam hominum inimicitias subire contepmnunt. Et si sunt aliqui, immo Deo miserante sunt licet perpaucissimi, qui in faciem impiis usque ad mortem resistere pro amore christianae legis contendunt, non solum a fratribus ut dignum est non adiuuantur sed etiam imprudentes et minus discreti ut dementes habentur. Sed quia hec et his similia specialiter imminent nobis ut uobis, indicemus quatenus Deo largiente uicia possimus a cordibus fratrum auellere et uirtutes in eis plantare.

Behold
many thousands of secular men run daily to death for their masters; for our heavenly God and Redeemer they not only do not run to death, but even disdain to endure the enmities of certain men. And if there are any — nay, by God’s mercy there are, although very few — who, for love of the Christian law, strive to resist the face of the impious even unto death, they are not only not helped by the brothers as is befitting, but are even held imprudent and less discreet, as madmen. But because these things and the like especially threaten us as they do you, let us show how far, God granting, we can tear vices from the hearts of the brothers and plant virtues in them.

Rogamus et obsecramus in domino Ihesu, qui nos sua morte redemit, ut tribulationes et angustias quas patimur ab inimicis christianae religionis, cur et qualiter patiamur diligenter inuestigando intelligatis. Ex quo enim dispositione diuina mater aecclesia in trono apostolico me ualde indignum et Deo teste inuitum collocauit, summopere procuraui ut sancta aecclesia, sponsa Dei, domina et mater nostra, ad proprium rediens decus libera, casta, et catholica permaneret. Sed quia hosti antiquo hec omnino displicent, armauit contra nos membra sua ut omnia in contrarium uerteret.

We ask and beseech in the Lord Jesus, who redeemed us by his death, that you diligently understand by investigating why and how we suffer the tribulations and angustias which we endure from the enemies of the Christian religion. For from that divine disposition whereby the mother Church placed me, most unworthy and, God being witness, unwilling, on the apostolic throne, I have most earnestly striven that the holy Church, bride of God, our lady and mother, returning to her proper dignity, might remain free, chaste, and catholic. But because these things altogether displease the ancient enemy, he has armed his members against us so as to turn all things to the contrary.

Ideo in nos immo in apostolicam sedem tanta fecit, quanta facere a tempore Constantini Magni imperatoris nequiuit. Nec ualde mirum, quia quanto plus antichristi tempus appropinquat tanto amplius christianam religionem extinguere decertat.

Therefore against us, nay against the apostolic
seat he has wrought such things as he could not do since the time of Constantine
the Great emperor. Nor is it very wonderful, because the more
the antichrist's time approaches, the more he strives to extinguish the Christian
religion.

Nunc autem, fratres mei karissimi, diligenter quae uobis dico audite. Omnes qui in toto orbe christiano censentur nomine et christianam fidem uere cognoscunt, sciunt et credunt beatum Petrum, apostolorum principem, esse omnium christianorum patrem et primum post Christum pastorem, sanctamque Romanam aecclesiam omnium aecclesiarum matrem et magistram. Si ergo hoc creditis et indubitanter tenetis, rogo uos et praecipio ego, qualiscumque frater et indignus magister uester, per omnipotentem Deum, adiuuate et succurrite praedicto patri uestro et matri, si per eos absolutionem omnium peccatorum et benedictionem atque gratiam in hoc seculo et in futuro habere desideratis.

Now however, my most dear brothers, diligently hear what I say to you. All who throughout the Christian world are counted by name and truly know and believe the Christian faith, know and believe that blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, is the father of all Christians and the first shepherd after Christ, and that the holy Roman Church is the mother and mistress of all churches. If therefore you believe this and hold it without doubt, I ask you and I command — I, whatever brother and your unworthy teacher, by almighty God — aid and succor the aforesaid father of yours and mother, if by them you desire to obtain the absolution of all sins and blessing and grace in this life and in the life to come.

Omnipotens Deus, a quo bona cuncta procedunt, mentem uestram semper illuminet eamque sua dilectione ac proximi fecundet, ut mereamini praefatum patrem uestrum et matrem certa deuotione debitores uobis facere et ad eorum societatem sine uerecundia peruenire. Amen.

Almighty God, from whom all good things proceed, may he always enlighten your mind and enrich it with his dilection and the love of your neighbor,
so that you may be deemed worthy to make the aforesaid father of yours and mother indebted to you by certain devotion, and to come to their companionship without shame. Amen.

55 (1084)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus qui christiana fide censentur et beati apostolorum principis sedem aecclesiarum omnium matrem recognoscunt salutem et absolutionem omnium peccatorum per benedictionem et merita beati Petri et Pauli principum apostolorum.

Gregory bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all who are reckoned in the Christian faith and recognize the see of the blessed prince of the apostles as the mother of all churches, greeting and absolution of all sins through the blessing and merits of blessed Peter and Paul, princes of the apostles.

Notum uobis fieri uolumus, fratres karissimi, quia sancta Romana aecclesia, communis mater, omnium gentium magistra et domina, non solum splendore sanctae religionis uniuersum mundum illuminauit sed etiam multis indigentibus per diversas partes terrae necessaria pietate distribuit. Modo uero peccatis non tantum nostris sed etiam multarum gentium exigentibus, et in religione friguit et terrenas opes maiori ex parte amisit. Nonnulli enim imperatores reges et principes aliorumque ordinum personae misera cupiditate capti, maternam maledictionem incurrere non timentes, eius possessiones inuaserunt, distraxerunt, et in proprios usus redegerunt; qui etiam gladio anathematis percussi et more infelicis Iudae sacrilegii uinculo strangulati, ne ad penitentiam redirent, disipuerunt.

We wish it to be made known to you, most dear brothers, that the holy Roman Church, common mother, teacher and mistress of all peoples, not only with the splendor of holy religion illuminated the whole world but also distributed to many needy persons throughout diverse parts of the earth the necessities with piety. Now, however, sins not only of ours but also exacting of many nations having taken hold, she has grown cold in religion and has for the most part lost her earthly wealth. For some emperors, kings, princes, and persons of other orders, seized by wretched cupidity and not fearing to incur a mother’s curse, have invaded her possessions, plundered them, and reduced them to their own uses; who, having been struck by the sword of anathema and, in the manner of unhappy Jewish sacrilege, strangled with a bond so that they should not return to penance, have perished.

Hinc igitur inopia, deuastationes, latrocinia, rapinae contra ipsum aecclesiae caput, beatum uidelicet Petrum, et in eius quasi uisceribus exorte sunt. Proinde propria eius accclesia et beati Pauli quae illorum . . .

Hence therefore want, devastations, robberies, plunder arose against the very head of the church, namely the blessed Peter, and in his as it were entrails they sprang up. Wherefore his own church and that of blessed Paul, which of theirs . . .

56 (1073-1084)

56 (1073–1084)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei Hoelo glorioso principi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to Hoelo, glorious prince, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Sicut relatione quorundam didicimus, pater tuus diuino amore accensus monasterium sanctae Crucis nonnullis bonis ditauit, quae si aliquis auferre uel minuere praesumit non paruae negligentiae poteris arguere et animas patris et matris minus diligere. Quapropter si quid a te uel ab aliquo de his quae praedicto monasterio oblata sunt subreptum esse atque alienatum cognoscis, uolumus immo ex parte Dei et sancti Petri praecipimus omni diligentia te recuperare atque ad utilitatem eiusdem uenerabilis loci modis omnibus tueri atque defendere. Quod si feceris animabus parentum permaxime uideris proficere et tibi apud Deum maximum lucrum et in saeculum bonam famam optinere.

As we have learned from the account of certain men, your father, inflamed with divine love, enriched the monastery of the Holy Cross with some goods, which if anyone presumes to take away or diminish you can accuse of no small negligence and of loving less the souls of his father and mother. Therefore if you or any one of you know that anything of those things which were offered to the aforesaid monastery has been stolen away and alienated, we wish rather, by the authority of God and of Saint Peter, we command you to recover them with all diligence and to protect and defend them by every means for the benefit of that venerable place. If you do this you will seem to profit most greatly the souls of your parents and to obtain for yourself a great gain before God and a good reputation for ages to come.

Si enim hoc unicuique aecclesiae debes, multo magis circa salutem huius quam pater tuus dilexit et cui diuina prouidentia fratrem tuum carnalem uoluit prouidere oportet te inuigilare.

If indeed you owe this to every church, much more concerning the salvation of this one, which your father loved and which Divine Providence wished to provide for your brother in the flesh, it is incumbent on you to be vigilant.

57 (1074-1084)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei Terdeluacho inclito regi Hiberniae archiepiscopis episcopis abbatibus proceribus omnibusque christianis Hiberniam inhabitantibus salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to Terdeluacho, illustrious king of Ireland, to the archbishops, bishops, abbots, nobles, and all Christians dwelling in Ireland, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Per orbem uniuersum domini Ihesu doctrina refulsit, quoniam is qui de thalamo suo tanquam sponsus exiuit tabernaculum suum in sole constituit, et nemo est qui caloris eius fulgorem effugere possit. Huius auctoritas sanctam aecclesiam in solida petra fundauit et beato Petro a petra uenerabile nomen habenti eius iura commisit; quam etiam super omnia mundi regna constituit, cui principatus et potestates et quicquid in seculo sublime uidetur esse subiecit, illo Ysaiae completo oraculo: "Venient", inquit, "ad te qui detrahebant tibi et adorabunt uestigia pedum tuorum." Beato igitur Petro eiusque uicariis, inter quos dispensatio diuina nostram quoque sortem annumerari disposuit, orbis uniuersus obedientiam similiter et reuerentiam debet, quam mente deuota sanctae Romanae aecclesiae exhibere reminiscimini. Vos autem ut karissimos filios exhortamur iustitiam exercere, catholicam aecclesiae pacem tueri et diligere, ipsamque diligentes ulnis caritatis uobis adiungere.

Through the whole world the doctrine of the Lord Jesus shone forth, for he who went out from his chamber like a bridegroom set his tabernacle in the sun, and there is none who can escape the brightness of his heat. By his authority he founded the holy Church on a solid rock and committed its rights to blessed Peter, who has the venerable name from the rock; which he also established over all the kingdoms of the world, to whom he subjected principalities and powers and whatever in the age seems lofty, that Isaiah’s oracle being fulfilled: "They will come," he says, "to you who plucked off from you, and will worship the footsteps of your feet." To blessed Peter therefore and his vicars, among whom the divine dispensation has ordained that our lot also be numbered, the whole world ought likewise to owe obedience and reverence, which with a devout mind you remember to show to the holy Roman Church. But we exhort you, as dearest sons, to exercise justice, to guard and love the catholic peace of the Church, and, zealous in the bonds of charity, to join yourselves to it.

Siqua uero negotia penes uos emerserint quae nostro digna uideantur auxilio, incunctanter ad nos dirigere studete, et quod iuste postulaueritis Deo auxiliante impetrabitis.

If any matters, however, have arisen in your charge which seem worthy of our aid, be eager to direct them to us without delay, and what you shall have justly demanded, God assisting, you will obtain.

58 (1073-1085)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri A. Patauiensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother A., bishop of Padua, greetings and apostolic blessing.

Interrogauit nos religio uestra de sacerdotibus in fornicationem lapsis aliisque criminibus irretitis, consulens quidnam de illorum gradu foret censendum . . .

Your religion has asked us concerning priests who have fallen into fornication and been entangled in other crimes, consulting what, concerning their grade, ought to be judged . . .

59 (1073-1085)

59 (1073–1085)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri A. Patauiensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother A., bishop of Padua, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Quia te credo sincero corde amare pro Deo sancte ecclesie honorem et libertatem, uolo et precipio ut summopere cum clericis his uel laicis qui ad hoc apti uidentur procures ut sponsa Christi amplius non habeatur ancilla . . .

Because I believe that you love with a sincere heart, for God, the honor and liberty of the holy church, I will and command that most earnestly you, with the clerics here or with laymen who seem fit for this, procure that the bride of Christ be no longer held a handmaid . . .

60 (1073-1085)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilecto in Christo fratri Patauiensi episcopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brother, the bishop of Padua, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Praesentium latores ad nos uenientes se ab episcopo excommunicato tamen id nescientes presbyteros esse ordinatos confessi sunt. Qua de re nos nuper in litteris quas fraternitati tuae remisimus non plene respondimus. Super hoc itaque dirigimus ut, si eos tunc temporis nesciuisse praefatum episcopum excommunicationi subiacere constiterit et cetera quae ex eorum uita et moribus perquirenda sunt non impedierint, gradu presbyteratus fungi misericorditer permittas per manus impositionem, et Spiritus Sancti gratiam quam habere non potuerunt alterius praesumptione obtineant ex nostra deuotione.

The bearers of these presents, coming to us, confessed that they had been ordained presbyters by a bishop excommunicated, yet not knowing this. Wherefore we lately did not fully answer in the letters which we sent back to your fraternity. Therefore we direct that, if it shall be found that they at that time did not know that the aforesaid bishop was subject to excommunication, and that the other matters to be inquired into concerning their life and morals do not impede, you mercifully permit them to discharge the office (gradus) of the presbyterate by the imposition of hands, and that they obtain, by our goodwill, the grace of the Holy Spirit which they could not have through another’s presumption.

61 (1073-1085)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei fratribus et coepiscopis Turonensi et Andegauensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. the bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the brothers and co-bishops of Tours and of Angers, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Admonemus atque praecipimus fraternitati uestrae ut plenam iustitiam faciatis Vindocinensi abbati de ecclesia Ripere, unde queritur, et de Maziaco, et ita studeatis clamoribus suis finem imponere ut de cetero necesse non habeat propterea ad apostolicam sedem recurrere uel nos fatigare.

We admonish and command your fraternity that you render full justice to the Vindocinensis abbot concerning the church of Ripere, whence he complains, and concerning Maziaco, and thus strive to put an end to his clamors
so that henceforth he shall not need on that account to have recourse to the apostolic see or to trouble us.

62 (1073-1085)

62 (1073–1085)

Gregorius papa seruus seruorum Dei Alberto abbati salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory pope, servant of the servants of God, to Abbot Albert, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Deuotionem uestram circa apostolatum nostrum litterae uestrae prodiderunt. Vnde si uobis umquam quicquam nostri adiutorii fuerit necesse, sperate nos libenter impendere. Illud uero quod dixistis relinquimus in uestra uoluntate.

Your devotion toward our apostolate your letters have revealed. Wherefore if at any time anything of our aid should be necessary to you, hope that we will gladly bestow it. That thing, however, which you have said we leave in your will.

Valete.

Farewell.

63 (1073-1085)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. Turonensi archiepiscopo salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R., Archbishop of Tours, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Miles iste, harum scilicet portitor litterarum, apud apostolicam sedem conquestus est quod male sibi sociata consanguinea ex iudicio sui episcopi dimissa, coniugem quam sibi per legem coniunxerat sine legali iudicio perdidit. Quapropter super hoc fraternitatem tuam caritate apostolica conuenimus ut cum Pictauensi episcopo colloquium habeas, et nostra apostolica auctoritate ei praecipias ut hoc quod iniuste actum est iuste emendare procuret, sciens quia si res aliter quam debeat agatur, a sede apostolica inultum nullomodo relinquetur.

This Miles, namely the bearer of these letters, complained before the apostolic see that because a kinswoman ill-joined to him was dismissed by the judgment of his bishop, he lost, without legal trial, the wife whom he had lawfully espoused; wherefore concerning this matter we address your brotherhood with apostolic charity that you hold a conference with the bishop of Poitiers, and by our apostolic authority enjoin him to see that that which was unjustly done be justly amended, knowing that if the matter be carried otherwise than it ought, it will in no wise be left unavenged by the apostolic see.

64 (1073-1085)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei dilectis in Christo fratribus et coepiscopis Turonensi et Andecauensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved in Christ brethren and co-bishops of Tours and Angers, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Discordia Maioris monasterii et Rotonensis diu protracta nec adhuc ad finem perducta multotiens aures nostras fatigauit. Vnde uolumus ut fraternitas uestra rationes utriusque partis diligenter inquirat, et si potest certum ac legitimum finem imponat. Quod si apud uos fieri non potest, procurate nobis rescribere ueritatem et iusticiam ipsius negotii, et utrumque abbatem uel eorum idoneos nuntios nobis transmittere.

The discord between the Maior monastery and Rotonensis, long protracted and not yet brought to an end, has oftentimes wearied our ears. Wherefore we desire that your brotherhood diligently inquire into the reasons of each party, and, if it can, impose a certain and lawful conclusion. But if this cannot be done with you, take care to write back to us the truth and justice of that business, and to transmit to us both the abbot or suitable envoys of them.

65 (1076-1085)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei Sancio glorioso regi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to Sancho the glorious king, greetings and apostolic blessing.

Gratias omnipotenti Deo referimus quod in administratione desuper tibi data iuste et racionabiliter incedis, adeo ut spiritales et religiosi uiri famam bonitatis tuae ad noticiam nostram reportent, gaudium nobis et maximam de bonis et bene inceptis studiis tuis fiduciam ministrantes. Illud enim est quod desideranter esurimus atque sitimus, ut Christiana gens eos habeat reges qui Deum ueraciter timeant et magis diuinum honorem quam suum et iusticiae quam rerum temporalium amorem diligant. Sed quia diuino testimonio perseuerantia commendatur, studeat deuotio tua non solum in his que de te dicuntur bonis perseuerare sed de uirtute in uirtutem bene incedendo mentem ad altiora semper erigere.

We give thanks to almighty God that in the administration from above given to you you proceed justly and rationally, so that spiritual and religious men bring the fame of your goodness to our notice, supplying us with joy and the greatest confidence concerning your good and well-begun undertakings. For that is what we have longingly hungered and thirsted for, that the Christian people should have for their kings those who truly fear God and love more the divine honor than their own, and justice more than the love of temporal things. But since perseverance is commended by divine testimony, may your devotion strive not only to persevere in those good things which are spoken of you, but by going well from virtue to virtue always lift the mind to higher things.

Quantis enim calamitatibus mundus iste pulsetur, quot et quantis regibus, quot principibus, postremo quot millibus hominum mentiatur, uides. Cuius gloriam uanam utique et fragilem si contempseris et officium tibi commissum laudabiliter perages, et Deum tibi propiciatorem et clementissimum facies. Et quia humana uita momentanea est et fugitiua, necessarium tibi est ut diem mortis cotidie ante oculos ponas et tanto in amore et seruitio Dei crescas quanto ipsius districti iudicis sine intermissione iudicio appropinquas, quatenus cum ante presentiam eius ueneris, non districtum sed misericordem eum sentire merearis.

For with how many calamities this world is battered, and by how many and by how great kings, how many princes, and finally how many thousands of men it deceives, you see. Whose glory, if you reckon it vain and fragile and worthily discharge the office committed to you, you will surely despise, and you will make God propitious to you and most merciful. And because human life is momentary and fugitive, it is necessary for you to place the day of death daily before your eyes, and to grow so much in the love and service of God as you draw near, without intermission, to the judgment of the strict judge, that when you shall have come before his presence you may deserve to find him not strict but merciful.

Hunc autem karissimum confratrem nostrum Raimundum reuera tibi fidelissimum dilectionis tuae intuitu honorifice recepimus. Quem nobilitati tuae commendantes rogamus, ut ipse deinceps pro caritate nostra augmentum dilectionis et auxilii tui et qui ad nos uenit apud te semper sibi proficiat.

But we have indeed honorably received this most dear brother of ours, Raimundus, to you as most faithful in the regard of your love. Commending him to your nobility, we beg that he may henceforth, for our charity, obtain an increase of your affection and of your aid, and that he who came to us may always find benefit with you.

66 (1073-1085)

66 (1073–1085)

Si quis dator uel acceptor Dei ecclesias uel ecclesiastica beneficia, que quidem prebendas uocant, sub pecuniae interuentu susceperit, siue dando emerit siue accipiendo uendiderit, a Symonis non excluditur perditione. Sed si perseuerans fuerit perpetua mulctetur dampnatione. Nam qui sub religionis obtentu Deo famulari uoluerit, si quid acceperit et meritum perdit et beneficio accepto frustratur.

If anyone, giver or receiver, has taken to himself the churches of God or ecclesiastical benefices — which indeed they call prebends — by the intervention of money, whether having bought by giving or having sold by receiving, he is not excluded from the perdition of Simon. But if he persists, let him be punished with perpetual damnation. For he who, under the pretext of religion, wished to serve God, if he has received anything, both loses his merit and, the benefit having been accepted, is frustrated.

Rationis ergo uigore cogitur quod iniuste recepit restituere et quicquid turpis lucri gratia receperat non tenere.

Therefore by the force of reason he is compelled to restore what he unjustly received, and not to retain anything he received for the sake of base profit.

67 (1073-1085)

Si consuetudinem fortassis opponas, aduertendum fuerit quod Dominus dicit: "Ego sum ueritas et uita." Non ait: "Ego sum consuetudo", sed "ueritas". Et certe, ut beati Cypriani utamur sententia, quaelibet consuetudo, quantumuis uetusta, quantumuis uulgata, ueritati est omnino postponenda et usus qui ueritati est contrarius abolendus.

If you perhaps oppose custom, it should be observed that the Lord says: "Ego sum veritas et vita." He does not say: "Ego sum consuetudo," but "veritas." And certainly, as we may use the sentiment of blessed Cyprian, any custom, however old, however widespread, is altogether to be postponed to truth, and usage which is contrary to truth must be abolished.

68 (1073-1080)

Gregorii pape VII et... Si quis clericus contra patrum regulas . . .ordines arma arripit et homicidium perpetrat huiusmodi penitentiam sibi iniungentes carceri XL diebus mancipandum decreuimus; deinde aecclesiae gremio inter laicos miserationis intuitu sociamus; deinde penitentiam XIIII annorum imponimus, sed II accipimus ita ut proximo quadrigenio a dominici corporis et sanguinis et omnium carnium abstineat perceptione. Quartam et sextam feriam in pane et aqua et crudis herbis ieiunet; quadragesimali tempore secundam et quartam et sextam feriam eodem tenore obseruet; unam quadragesimam ante natalem Domini annuatim persoluat. Ceterum si in regulari monasterio monachus effici uoluerit siue in regulari canonica esse maluerit, haec omnia in abbatis sui uel decani potestate consistit; ita tamen ut quicquid horum fuerit, ipse ulterius ad gradum aecclesiastici ordinis non promoueatur nisi per gratiam.

Gregorii pape VII et... If any cleric, against the rules of the fathers, takes up arms and perpetrates homicide of this kind, imposing this penance on himself we have decreed that he be held in prison for 40 days; then we join him to the bosom of the church among the laity from a regard of mercy; then we impose a penance of 14 years, but we accept 2, so that for the next forty days he abstain from the reception of the Lord’s body and blood and of all meats. He shall fast on Wednesday and Friday on bread and water and raw herbs; in the Lenten season he shall observe Monday and Wednesday and Friday in the same manner; he shall perform one forty-day fast annually before the Nativity of the Lord. Moreover, if in a regular monastery he will be made a monk or will have preferred to be in a regular chapter, all these things pertain to the power of his abbot or dean; provided, however, that whatever of these there may be, he shall not be further promoted to the grade of ecclesiastical orders except by grace.

69 (1073-1085)

Gregorius Petro subdiacono.

Gregory to Peter the subdeacon.

Ego Petrus episcopus ab hac hora inantea fidelis ero sancto Petro sancteque Romane apostolice ecclesie, domino meo pape illiusque successoribus canonice intrantibus. Non ero in consilio nec in synodo ut uitam perdat uel membrum aut capiatur mala captione. Consilium quod mihi per se aut per litteras aut per nuntium manifestabit ad eorum damnum nulli pandam.

I, Peter, bishop, from this hour onward will be faithful to Saint Peter and to the holy Roman apostolic church, to my lord the pope and to his successors who canonically enter. I will not be in counsel nor in synod so that life be lost or a limb, or be taken by an evil capture. The counsel which shall be made manifest to me either in person or by letters or by a messenger, to their damage I will disclose to no one.

Papatum Romane ecclesie et sancti Petri adiutor ero ad retinendum et defendendum, saluo meo ordine, contra omnes homines. Vocatus ad synodum ueniam nisi prepeditus fuero canonica prepeditione. Legatum apostolice sedis quem certum legatum esse cognouero in eundo et reddendo honorifice tractabo et in suis necessitatibus adiuuabo.

I will be helper of the papacy of the Roman Church and of Saint Peter to retain and defend it, saving my order, against all men. If called to a synod I will come unless I am hindered by a canonical impediment. A legate of the apostolic see whom I shall recognise to be a true legate I will treat honorably in going and in returning, and I will assist him in his necessities.

Apostolorum limina singulis annis aut per me aut per certum nuntium meum uisitabo, nisi eorum absoluar licentia. Sic me Deus adiuuet et hec sancta euangelia.

I will visit the apostles' thresholds every year
either by myself or by a certain messenger of mine, unless I am absolved by their leave.
So may God aid me and these holy Gospels.

70 (estate 1079)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei confratri et coepiscopo H. salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to his confrater and co-bishop H., greeting and apostolic blessing.

Causam Matisconensis episcopi quae est inter illum et fidelem nostrum abbatem Cluniacensem fraternitati tuae determinandam mandauimus, episcopo multum condolentes, uidentes in illo columbae simplicitatem in abbate autem serpentis astutiam; neque ad dextram neque ad sinistram amplius declinare uolumus, sed ex utroque unum temperamentum facere et secundum canones quod iustum est iudicare. Nos autem secundum apostolum absentes corpore presentes autem spiritu tam iudicauimus ut presentes iudicio canonum, domnum abbatem Cluniacensem contra praefatum episcopum nihil sinistrum facere debere, mutationes non amare, nouitates non curare, sed sicut antiquitus fuerit ecclesiae ita eas desiderare, ne lux sua lucens coram hominibus aliquo naeuo deturpetur. Sanctiorem episcopo suo uelle uideri quodammodo iniuriam in episcopum . . .contra canones agere est, contra canones autem agere a fide est exorbitare, exorbitare autem a fide in Christum peccare est, quod quanta pena plectendum sit tu ipse cognoscis.

We have entrusted to your fraternity the cause of the bishop of Matisconensis, which is to be determined between him and our faithful abbot of Cluny, much commiserating the bishop, seeing in him the simplicity of a dove, and in the abbot the astuteness of a serpent; nor do we wish any longer to incline to the right or to the left, but to make one tempering out of both and to judge that which is just according to the canons. But according to the Apostle, absent in body yet present in spirit, we have judged thus: by the judgment of the canons it behooves the lord abbot of Cluny to do nothing harmful against the aforesaid bishop, not to love changes, not to pursue novelties, but to desire the things of the Church as they were anciently, lest his light, shining before men, be marred by any blemish. To wish to seem holier than one’s own bishop, to act in some way an injury upon a bishop . . . contra canones agere est; to act against the canons is to stray from the faith; to stray from the faith is to sin against Christ, for which how great a penalty is to be suffered you yourself know.

Cui ergo iustitiam fauere per discussionem tuam declaratum fuerit, fraternitatem tuam monemus et praecipimus ut ei firmiter adhaereas et ad obtinendum ius suum ministerium debitae fraternitatis impendas.

Therefore, to whomsoever justice shall be found to favor by your discussion, we admonish and command your fraternity that you adhere firmly to him and expend the ministry of due fraternity to obtain his right.

71 (1079)

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei fratri Amato sancte Romane aecclesie uicario salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

Gregory, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to brother Amatus, vicar of the holy Roman Church, greeting and apostolic blessing.

De querela filii nostri Arnaldi abbatis sancti Seueri Guasconiae super aecclesia beatae Marie de Solaco quae tamdiu est uentilata et nondum difinita, litteris praesentibus fraternitati tuae mandamus quatenus ex auctoritate beati Petri apostolorum principis sanctaeque Romane aecclesiae ac nostra quoadunato coetu tam episcoporum quam abbatum sicut mos est legatorum nostrorum, praesente fratre nostro A. abbate sancte Crucis, si filius noster abbas sancti Seueri probare poterit septima manu sui ordinis se obtinuisse tricennalem possessionem in aecclesia beatae Mariae de Solac, per tuam manum reuestiatur auctoritate beati Petri et nostra possessurus eam in perpetuum. Valete.

Concerning the complaint of our son Arnaldus, abbot of Saint Severus of Gascony, over the church of Blessed Mary of Solac, which has been long ventilated and not yet defined, we command your fraternity by these present letters that, by the authority of Blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, and of the holy Roman Church and our own, and with an assembled coetus of both bishops and abbots, as is the custom of our legates, in the presence of our brother A., abbot of the Holy Cross, if our son the abbot can prove that by the seventh hand of his order he has obtained a thirty-year possession in the church of Blessed Mary of Solac, you revest it by your hand with the authority of Blessed Peter and of ourselves, so that he may possess it in perpetuity. Valete.

72 (febbraio 1079)

72 (February 1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei R. Turonorum archiepiscopo et E. Andecauorum pontifici salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to R. archbishop of Tours and E. bishop of Anjou, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Audiuimus F. comitem Andecauensem quorumdam instinctu qui filio nostro karissimo B. sacerdoti inimicantur in eius odium exarsisse. Quapropter fraternitati uestrae mandamus quatinus ipsi comiti nostra uice praecipiatis ut non ulterius supradictum uirum inquietare praesumat. Nec solum . . . sed et contra omnes inimicos et perturbatores rerum ipsius uicem nostram ad ferenda illi auxilia suscipiatis, praecipiendo praecipimus ex auctoritate beatorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli.

We have heard that Count F. of Anjou, at the instigation of certain men who bear hostility toward our most beloved son B., the priest, has kindled into hatred against him. Wherefore we command your fraternity that you, in our stead, instruct that same count that he do not henceforth presume to trouble the aforesaid man. Nor only ... but also against all enemies and disturbers of his affairs you are to undertake on his behalf to render him aid; we command and enjoin this by the authority of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul.

Valete, et nulla ratione quae praecipio contempnite.

Farewell, and for no reason whatever despise that which I command.

73 (febbraio 1079)

73 (February 1079)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei omnibus beato Petro fidelibus salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G. bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all the faithful devoted to blessed Peter, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Notum uobis omnibus facimus nos anathema fecisse ex auctoritate Dei omnipotentis Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti et beatorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli omnibus qui iniuriam aliquam facere praesumpserint Beringerio, Romanae ecclesiae filio, uel in persona uel in omni possessione sua, uel qui eum uocabunt hereticum. Quem post multas quas apud nos quantas uoluimus fecit moras domum suam remittimus, et cum eo fidelem nostrum, Fulconem nomine.

We make known to you all that by the authority of Almighty God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul we have anathematized all who shall have presumed to do any injury to Beringerius, a son of the Roman Church, either to his person or to any of his possessions, or who shall call him a heretic. Whom, after the many delays which he made with us, as many as we wished, we remit to his home, and with him our faithful Fulco by name.

74 (1073-1083)

74 (1073–1083)

G. episcopus seruus seruorum Dei G. abbati Briuatensi salutem et apostolicam benedictionem.

G., bishop, servant of the servants of God, to G., abbot of Briuatum, greeting and apostolic blessing.

Clamorem fratrum Lyrinensium accepimus, quod eis aecclesiam sancti Iusti, quae est sita in pago Briuatensi, quam episcopus Clarimontis et praepositus Briuatensis dederunt eisdem monachis, iniuste abstuleris nec etiam eorum auctoritates audire uolueris. Vnde fraternitatem tuam karitatiue ammonentes et eciam praecipientes, ut praedictam ecclesiam eum omnibus ad eam pertinentibus usque ad proximam Christi ressurreccionem eidem monasterio restituas uel ante praesentiam Arelatensis archiepiscopi eius iudicio statuto die ne deinceps querimoniam audiamus cum praefatis monachis definias. Quod si facere contempseris apostolica auctoritate introitum omnium ecclesiarum tibi interdicimus et ecclesiam illam ab omni diuino officio praeter babtismum et penitenciam in finem cessare praecepimus.

We have received the outcry of the brethren of Lyrinensis, that you have unjustly taken away from them the church of Saint Justus, which is situated in the district of Briuatensis, which the bishop of Clarimont and the provost of Briuatensis gave to those same monks, nor have you been willing even to hear their authorities. Wherefore, charitably admonishing your fraternity and also commanding, that you restore the aforesaid church, with all things pertaining to it, to that monastery up to the coming resurrection of Christ, or before the presence of the Archbishop of Arelat, on a day fixed by his judgment, decide with the aforesaid monks so that hereafter we hear no complaint. But if you shall despise to do this, by apostolic authority we forbid you entrance to all churches and have ordered that that church cease from all divine office, except baptism and penance, until the end.

Manifestum est eum puberem esse qui gesticulatione sui corporis talis est ut iam procreare possit, licet ad metas legibus diffinitas non peruenerit.

It is manifest that he is pubescent who, by the development of his body, is such that he can already procreate, although he has not reached the limits defined by the laws.

Licet noua consuetudo aecclesiae, nulla fulta auctoritate, numeret inter ieiunia et ordinationes quattuor temporum primam hebdomadam primi mensis Martii et secundum quarti, id est Iunii, uetus tamen auctoritas sanctorum patrum est ut in initio quadragesimali et in hebdomada Pentecostes debeant obseruari.

Although a new custom of the church, supported by no authority, counts among the fasts and ordinations of the Four Seasons the first week of the first month, March, and the second of the fourth, that is June, yet the ancient authority of the holy fathers is that at the beginning of the Quadragesimal and in the week of Pentecost they ought to be observed.