Translation:Pope Urban II's letter to Bologna

Pope Urban II's letter to Bologna (1096)
by Urban II, translated from Latin by Wikisource

This is a Wikisource translation of Epistolae et privilegia (Urbanus II)/5 – CCX. Epistola Urbani II papae ad Bononienses. (Source 1: J. P. Migne, (1853) Corpus Corporum; source 2: Heinrich Hagenmeyer (1901), Epistulae et chartae p. 137–138.) This letter, published by Pope Urban II on 19 September 1096 addressed to his supporters in the Italian city of Bologna, is attested in a 12th-century manuscript, and one of 4 extant letters on the subject of the First Crusade. The first section is dedicated to rallying support for Urban's newly appointed bishop Bernardus in opposition to Antipope Clement III. The second section regulates the conditions under which specific groups of men were allowed to go on a 'journey' to Jerusalem, and what the goals and rewards of this journey were according to Urban II. This Wikisource translation takes into account, but is not solely based on, the translation of Edward Peters (2011),^[1] as well as the commentary of Georg Strack (2016).^[2]

3911523Pope Urban II's letter to Bologna1096Urban II

Urban, bishop, servant of the servants of God, a salute and apostolic benediction to his dear Catholic sons amongst the Bolognese clergy and people.

We thank you for your goodness, that, as you are established between schismatics and heretics, some have always remained in the Catholic faith, while others, having learnt the truth through the grace of God, and having abandoned the devious errors, now mind the things that belong to the Catholic faith. We exhort, therefore, beloved in the Lord, to walk manfully in the path of truth, and procure better results to add to good beginnings. For it is not he who has begun, but who perseveres to the end, who will be saved.^[3] We earnestly commend our venerable brother and fellow bishop Bernard, whom divine providence deigned to confer upon you as a pastor through our hands, to your charity, if you show your love to God in his vicar. For he himself said of such a one: 'He that hears you, hears me.'^[4]

We have heard that some of you have conceived the desire of going to Jerusalem, which you should know is most pleasing to us. Know that to all who have gone there, not for the desire of earthly convenience, but for the salvation of their soul alone, and the liberation of the Church, they have made a true and perfect confession of their sins, through the mercy of God Almighty and the prayers of the Catholic Church. As much as we release almost all archbishops and bishops who are in authority in Gaul, since they have demonstrated their causes and persons in favour of the charity of God and our neighbour; to neither clerics nor monks, however, do we grant permission of going there without the permission of bishops or abbots. Moreover, let it be the bishops' care not to let their parishioners go without the advice and provision of the clergy. Care must also be taken for young married men not to rashly embark on such a journey while turning a blind eye to their wives. May the Almighty God strengthen you in his fear and love, and lead you, absolved from all sins and errors, to the reputation of the highest charity and true piety.

Given by the Pope, 13 Kalends of October [19 September 1096]

Notes (Wikisource) edit

↑ Edward Peters (2011), The First Crusade: "The Chronicle of Fulcher of Chartres" and Other Source Materials (2011), p. 44.
↑ Strack, Georg (2016). "Pope Urban II and Jerusalem: a re-examination of his letters on the First Crusade". Journal of Religious History, Literature and Culture 2 (1): 51–70. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
↑ Matthew 10:22
↑ Luke 10:16

[1] Edward Peters (2011), The First Crusade: "The Chronicle of Fulcher of Chartres" and Other Source Materials (2011), p. 44.

[2] Strack, Georg (2016). "Pope Urban II and Jerusalem: a re-examination of his letters on the First Crusade". Journal of Religious History, Literature and Culture 2 (1): 51–70. Retrieved 7 March 2022.

[3] Matthew 10:22

[4] Luke 10:16

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