Digital Continent Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul 2016 | Page 24

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between Gregory VII and Henry IV. On the eve of the Investiture Controversy, as the era of
Gregorian Reform was ushered in, St. Leo IX wrote in September of 1053 to Michael Cerularius
and Leo of Achrida. In the epistle In terra pax hominibus he explained that Peter and his
successors enjoyed free judgment over Christendom; a status which could not be altered because
as the highest see it had no judge but God.35 Papal authority, obedience, and judgment, welldefended in past centuries, would again be questioned and cast into doubt.
Priest and King: Realms of Authority

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Denzinger, 143.