Aktywność społeczna biskupów w Italii w pierwszych dekadach panowania longobardzkiego (568–604)

Abstract

This article discusses the involvement of Italian bishops with the government and protection of their respective cities against the Lombards towards the end of the 6th century. It is widely believed that the bishops became increasingly significant in local politics then, though source data for any conclusion is incredibly scarce. The sources available reflect the opinions of those linked with the Church of Rome at the turn of the 7th century (this includes Paul the Deacon, who drew on this tradition), or provide us with detailed information on one particular pontificate (as demonstrated by the letters of Gregory the Great). Therefore, a close analysis of source information is indispensable and presented in this article. The first chapter examines the five existing references to the involvement of Italian bishops (excluding the popes) in the social and political life of their communities. The second chapter deals with the activities of Roman bishops, especially those of Gregory the Great. The pope took unprecedented care of food provision for the City, by exploiting the papal estates in Sicily. Moreover, he undertook complex diplomatic (and sometimes even military) actions aiming at securing the City against the Lombards. Yet, Gregory’s social programmes remained exceptional and thus it is clear that the bishops’ engagement with the social life of their communities in late 6th century Italy depended first and foremost on their personal capabilities and pastoral authority.