Because I Can: Exploring Pope Gregory VII’ Dictatus papae

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Picture Taken from Wikipedia (2/8/2013)

Pope Gregory VII’s Dictatus papae are twenty-seven assertions about papal authority written in 1075.[1] Although the claims were never circulated, they are still very valuable because they reveal how the Pope viewed himself and his authority.[2] Most of his claims are rational and have clear reasonable foundations. For example, his claim VI: “we ought not stay in the same house with those excommunicated” is clearly rooted in following and honoring Church decrees.[3] It is understandable one would want to avoid those who have been excommunicated by the church. Similarly, it is understandable that the Pope reserves the right to “transfer bishops from see to see as he thinks necessary”.[4] After all, it is the Pope’s job to oversee the other church officials.

However, other claims listed illustrate Pope Gregory VII’s self claimed importance and superiority complex. One example is his claim VIII: “That only he may use imperial insignia”.[5] The office of Emperor is a secular and political one. The Pope should not desire the title, much less demand that only he can use it. Similarly, assertion IX claims “That all princes should kiss the feet of the pope alone”.[6] If this doesn’t illustrate a superiority complex, I don’t know what else would. Pope Gregory VII also states “the he may be judged by no one” in assertion XIX.[7] Well, does he believe that he is perfect and no one will ever have to rein him in or put him in check? Actually, yes he does. Assertion XXII: “That the Roman Church has never erred, nor will it ever err, as scripture attest”.[8]

Pope Gregory VII’s Dictatus papae is not only a list of claims; it is also a list of beliefs that allow modern historians to analyze Pope Gregory VII’s opinion of himself and his office. It seems he thought very highly of both and granted himself a lot of power and influence.

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[1] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” Miller, Maureen C. Power and the Holy in the Age of the Investiture Conflict: A Brief History with Documents. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2005. 81-83. Print.

[2] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” P. 81.

[3] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” P. 81.

[4] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” P. 82.

[5] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” P. 82.

[6] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” P. 82.

[7] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” P. 82.

[8] Pope Gregory VII. “Distatus papae.” P. 82.