To Demetrian and Valerian, Clerics of Fermo, on Their Ransom

Gregory to Demetrian and Valerian, clerics of Fermo. Both the decrees of the sacred canons and the authority of the law allow church property to be lawfully spent for the ransom of captives. You inform us that nearly eighteen years ago the most reverend Fabius, the late bishop of the church of Fermo, paid the enemy about eight pounds of that church’s silver to ransom you, and your father Passivus, now our brother and fellow bishop but then a cleric, and also your mother; and that you have some fear on this account that what was given may at some time be demanded back from you. We have therefore thought fit, by the authority of this order, to remove your apprehension. We decree that from now on you and your heirs shall suffer no annoyance over any claim to recover the debt, and that no action shall be brought against you by anyone. For the rule of fairness requires that what was paid with a pious intent should bring no burden or distress on those who were ransomed. [a]