A letter from John VIII, pope (873-76)

Translated letter:

He fears certainly very much and rightly dreads to exercize secular military service against the profession of his order; to defend the land, to engage in battles and arms is for the earthly power.

Original letter:

Nimium certe veretur et iure formidat contra professionem sui ordinis secularem miliciam exercere; terram defendere, de preliis tractare, de armis terrenae potestatis est.

Historical context:

The pope writes about a bishop who refuses to take part in military action.

Printed source:

MGH Ep. Kar. aevi 5. 311, Fragmenta Registri Iohannis VIII, Papae, ep.60

Date:

873-76