Stephen V…

…judges Francis’ idea that the Pope should not judge

  • The hidden crimes should be left to the judgment of He who alone who knows the hearts

Crimes effectively made public through a spontaneous confession and the proof of witness, having before their eyes the fear of God are confided to our governing in order to be judged; but the hidden and unknown should be left to the judgement of He ‘who alone who knows the hearts of the children of men.’ (cf. 1 Kings 8:39) (Denzinger-Hünermann 670. Stephen V, Letter Consuluisti de infantibus, to Archbishop Ludbert of Mainz, between 887 – 888)

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