Pope Nicholas I and John of Ravenna: The Struggle for Ecclesiastical Rights in the Ninth Century
Robert Joseph Belletzkie
On 24 February 861 Pope Nicholas I excommunicated and deposed one of Italy's most powerful prelates, John VIII, archbishop Ravenna. This papal action, prompted by a number transgressions on the archbishop's part, was taken with consent council bishops at Rome. immediately turned for aid to Louis II, king Italy emperor in West. A delegation from Louis, however, failed deter who insisted that come Rome adjudication. Moreover, pope journeyed Ravenna invitation its citizens, there personally rectified situation which John's abuses had created. As advanced, retreated seek Louis's intercession Pavia again, but this time his reception less cordial. The Pavians, led their bishop, shunned excommunicate retinue would not even grant an audience, advised him through intermediary “humble himself such pontiff whom we entire Church bow.” When second delegation, gained only repeated pleas, again unsuccessful bargaining pope, no choice submit. At Roman synod met 16 18 November 861, acknowledged charges against restored see conditions laid down synod. According Vita Nicolai , proceedings concluded standing ovation proclaimed three times: correct judgement supreme pontiff, just ordering pastor whole Church, generous settlement disciple Christ is pleasing all. We are all voice, mind, judgement.
Church History