Advertise the Message: Images in Rome at the Turn of the Twelfth Century
Brenda Bolton
On at least three occasions during the pontificate of Innocent III, Gerald Wales—failed bishop, celebrated story-teller, and inveterate inventive pilgrim, made journey to Rome.There, having already carried out his preliminary research, he was always eager examine two most outstanding images in Rome close quarters. These images—the Uronica Lateran Veronica St Peter’s—made such a deep impression upon him that description explanation their importance form central role Speculum Ecclesiae , which wrote on return home. He clearly saw them as pair, similar names being held equal reverence, although perhaps authenticity sprang from different roots. His remarks would have greatly pleased Innocent, for this precisely approach pope aimed achieve. considered it essential long damaging rivalry between great basilicas Vatican, had existed much twelfth century, should now be resolved. It brought scandal papacy grave detriment Church. In thiscontroversy some advantages, both historically—as cathedral hence world—and popular appeal its fabulous relics. A brief glance contemporary inventory shows richness collection. Innocent’s aim not diminish Lateran, but instead raise status Peter’s, so became co-equal seats pope-bishop Rome. What Wales written confirmed own reading Liber Pontif¡calis basis important reform liturgy time. Nor approbation merely directed towards Gerald. went all observant pilgrims, particularly small number highly significant archbishops metropolitans who came collect pallia appointments. That show, Fourth Council 1215, almost attendance. ‘Here wonderful opportunity stress underlying purpose artistic patronage, whereby Vatican were achieve coequal whilst, same time, Church’s real message strengthened.
Studies in Church History