Letter 11

Symmachus (Pope)Unknown|pope symmachus
From: Pope Symmachus, Bishop of Rome
To: The bishops of Gaul
Date: ~507 AD
Context: Symmachus confirms the reorganization of ecclesiastical provinces in Gaul, responding to the political changes caused by Clovis's victory over the Visigoths.

Symmachus, bishop, to the beloved bishops of the Gallic churches.

The victory of the most glorious King Clovis over the Visigothic forces and his extension of Frankish authority over much of southern Gaul creates the need for clarity about ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the affected areas. I am writing to provide that clarity.

The division of provinces that I am confirming is as follows. The ecclesiastical province of Arles continues under the metropolitan of Arles, with vicariate authority over the other Gallic provinces as previously established. The areas that were under Visigothic control and that are now under Frankish authority are assigned to the nearest ecclesiastical province, following the old Roman provincial boundaries as closely as current conditions allow.

The clergy who functioned in Visigothic-controlled areas — including the Arian clergy who administered to the Visigothic population — are to be received according to the norms we have previously established: Catholic clergy receive, Arian clergy who seek Catholic communion are examined, Arian clergy who do not seek Catholic communion are not to exercise ministry in now-Catholic territory.

This is not a complex situation. It requires clear-headed application of established principles. I trust the bishops of Gaul to do this well.

Symmachus, bishop of Rome

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.