Letter 9017: Gregory to Demetrian and Valerian, clerks of Firmum (Fermo). Both the ordinances of the sacred canons and legal authority permit that ecclesiastical property may be lawfully expended for the redemption of captives. And so, since we are informed by you that, nearly eighteen years ago, the most reverend Fabius, late bishop of the Church of Firmum,...
Gregory to Demetrian and Valerian, clergy of Firmum [Fermo, in central Italy].
Both the sacred canons and civil law allow church property to be used for the ransom of captives. Here are the facts of your case: nearly eighteen years ago, the most reverend Fabius, the late bishop of the church of Firmum, paid eleven pounds of the church's silver to the enemy to ransom you, your father Passivus -- now our brother and fellow bishop, but then a cleric -- and your mother. You are worried that someone might one day try to recover that money from you.
By the authority of this decree, I put that fear to rest. Neither you nor your heirs shall face any future claim for repayment. No one may bring proceedings against you on this account. The rule of fairness requires that money spent for a pious purpose not become a burden or source of distress to the very people it was spent to save.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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