Letter 14

From: Pope Honorius I To: Gundeperga, Queen of the Lombards Date: ~636 AD Context: Honorius responds to the imprisoned queen with pastoral support. Honorius, bishop, to our most excellent daughter Gundeperga. I have received your letter and read it with deep concern. I want you to know that you are not forgotten, that the Roman church holds you in its prayers, and that we are doing what we can — within the limits of what is possible — to support you. I am sending a priest who will come to you as a pilgrim visiting the shrine in your area, and who will be free to offer you the sacraments and to carry word back to me of your situation. He will ask for you by a name you will recognize from this letter; receive him as from Rome. On the question of the Catholic communities in the Lombard court: I am in correspondence with several bishops and clergy who are loyal to the tradition you have supported, and I want you to know that they are well and that the work continues. Your contribution to it — the decades of patient example — cannot simply be undone by a change in your personal circumstances. I will not pretend that I can change your situation directly. The relationship between bishops and kings is one of counsel and spiritual authority, not political power. But I will counsel where I have the opportunity, and I will pray without ceasing. Your father in Christ, Honorius