Pope Hadrian I’s Letter Regarding Offa of Mercia

Overview

Between 784 and 791, Pope Hadrian I wrote a letter to Charlemagne regarding rumors that Offa of Mercia was attempting to depose him from the papacy and install a Frankish pope in his place. This correspondence is found in the Codex Epistolaris Carolinus, a collection of papal letters to the Carolingian emperors. Hadrian considered the alleged plot to overthrow him absurd and urged Charlemagne to disregard any further consideration of the matter. It is worth noting that during this period, Offa was in conflict with Jaenberht, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and was seeking to establish an archbishopric at Lichfield in the heart of Mercia. The power struggle between Offa and Jaenberht likely reached Hadrian in Rome. Whether there was any truth to the rumors remains unknown, and unfortunately, there is no record of Charlemagne’s response to the papal letter.

Letter

The letter begins with a standard greeting and exhultation to Charlemagne, praising him as the Patrician of Rome and reminding him of how his father, Pepin, protected Rome. Following the greeting, Hadrian quickly acknowledges the issue at hand. He writes:

It was reported in your royal councils that Offa, the king of the English, had sent a message indicating to you that some of your enemies and his would inform our apostolic see that King Offa had suggested to you that we should be removed from our holy seat of dignity, which God forbid, and that another ruler from your nation should be established here. This most abominable and contrary claim appeared before you. It is certain from your excellence that this is entirely false because Offa himself never made such a suggestion to you, nor did it ever enter his mind. Instead, through God’s mercy, he seeks to rule and govern the holy Church of God during his time, for the advancement of all Christians.

 

We have complete confidence in your royal power, as your benevolent and unwavering orthodoxy and faith towards our apostolic paternity, fervent in the Holy Spirit like a burning fire, will remain outstanding. The cunning of the ancient enemy will not be able to shake it in any heresy against the Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Faith. Instead, it will remain a spotless mirror of the same orthodox faith and a true defender of our supreme see, shining brightly in every age.

 

The revolting assertions attributed to King Offa, which are shameful even to acknowledge or mention, we have not heard of until now, nor do we believe them upon hearing. Even if he were a pagan, God forbid, it would be hard to believe he would think of doing such things. How much more unbelievable it is, given that he has always been obedient and loyal to his predecessors, the holy pontiffs, and to us. His alleged cunning is entirely unbelievable to us.

After the rumor has been denied of having any real merit, Hadrian again reminds Charlemagne that nothing can stand against the papacy with the Frankish kingdom as their protector. He ends his letter by mentioning that he has received messengers from Offa of Mercia.

For the sake of this love, along with your most faithful messengers whom you have sent to us, we have appropriately and cheerfully received the messengers of the aforementioned King Offa. We welcomed them with joy on account of your renowned excellence, fulfilling their wishes. Your gratitude for your exalted royal power may be reported to come from God, as we are accustomed to fulfilling your wishes, just as you do ours.

Note: This translation has been formatted to be more accessible to modern readers, while remaining faithful to the original structure and meaning.