ADRIAN IV

(Pope Adrian IV)


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Note the fact that the Vatican received a “fee” for in effect giving Ireland to Heny II. There are some people who doubt the authenticity of this particular bull. They argue that the English domination of Ireland was never sanctioned by the Church. Supporters of the authenticity however have the majority of the arguments. There are several Papal documents that refer to a Papal Bull sent to England’s king on the subject of Ireland. The “deal” with the cut for the church and the guarantee of church property was typical of deals made at the time. And there are copies of the bull that have been preserved (the original has never been found.)


Thou hast signified to us, indeed, most beloved son in Christ, that thou dost desire to enter into the island of Ireland, in order to subject the people to the laws and to extirpate the vices that have there taken root, and that thou art willing to pay an annual pension to St. Peter of one penny from every house, and to preserve the rights of the churches in that land inviolate and entire. We, therefore, seconding with the favor it deserves thy pious and laudable desire, and granting a benignant assent to thy petition, are well pleased that, for the enlargement of the bounds of the church. for the restraint of vice, for the correction of morals and the introduction of virtues, for the advancement of the Christian religion, thou shouldst enter that island, and carry out there the things that look to the honor of God and to its own salvation. And may the people of that land receive thee with honor, and venerate thee as their master; provided always that the rights of the churches remain inviolate and entire, and saving to St. Peter and the holy Roman Church the annual pension of one penny from each house. If, therefore, thou dost see fit to complete what thou hast conceived in thy mind, strive to imbue that people with good morals, and bring it to pass, as well through thyself as through those whom thou dost know from their faith, doctrine, and course of life to be fit for such a work, that the church may there be adorned, the Christian religion planted and made to grow, and the things which pertain to the honour of God and to salvation be so ordered that thou may'st merit to obtain an abundant and lasting reward from God, and on earth a name glorious throughout the ages.


He was the only English Pope. This was the authority that enabled English King Henry II to invade Ireland. Many historians consider it the beginning of the problems between the Ireland and England which persists to this day. See {610520}. Some scholars think that this bull was a forgery stating that the writing style was different from other bulls of Adrian IV. Opponents believe that a change in secretaries could easily have accounted for the difference.


He was the only English Pope. He was totally frustrated with the politics of the Papacy.


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Adrian IV
Adrian IV
  • Born: September 1, 1159
  • Died: September 1, 1159
  • Nationality:
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Pope Adrian IV, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 4 December 1154 to his death in 1159. He is the only Englishman to have been pope.