…judges Francis’ idea on the Pope
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We must possess greater zeal than the others for the Christian religion
To your inquiry we do not deny a legal reply, because we, upon whom greater zeal for the Christian religion is incumbent than upon the whole body, out of consideration for our office do not have the liberty to dissimulate, nor to remain silent. We carry the weight of all who are burdened; nay rather the blessed apostle Peter bears these in us, who, as we trust, protects us in all matters of his administration, and guards his heirs. (Denzinger-Hünermann 181 – St. Siricius, Epistle Directa ad decessorem to Himerius, Bishop of Terracina, February 10, 385)
