Digital Continent Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul 2016 | Page 89

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Pope Innocent had excommunicated Emperor Archadius, the son of Theodosius because
he was present at the deposition of John Chrysostom and no papal consent had been given. The
emperor sought pardon for his offense. Pope Constantine excommunicated the Emperor Justin,
son of Justinian, for not providing a fitting reception for the papal legates. Afterward, he
prostrated himself in the streets of Constantinople at the pope’s feet until forgiven. Pope
Anastasius excommunicated Emperor Athanasius who later was struck by lightning and passed
away. Pope Gregory III excommunicated Emperor Leo and deprived him of his kingdom. Pope
Stephen deposed Charles, the brother of Pippin, and then elevated Pippin as his replacement.
Pope Gregory, Doctor of the Church, deprived of his office anyone who violated the terms of his
privilege and reminded them that they were answerable to divine judgment. Nicholas
excommunicated two emperors at the same time; Michael in the East for expelling Ignatius, the
bishop of Constantinople, without proper judgment and Lothar in the West for associating with
Waldrada his concubine. And finally Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, excommunicated both
Maximus and Theodosius.178

178

37.

Robinson, The Papal Reform of the Eleventh Century: Lives of Pope Leo IX and Pope Gregory VII, 236-