Le Siege de Rome et l'Orient (448-536): Etude geo-ecclesiologique. By PHILIPPE BLAUDEAU.

Abstract

This is a hard read. The title Le Siège de Rome et l’Orient (448–536) indicates the framework in space and time: relations between the papacy and Eastern Christendom from shortly before the Council of Chalcedon until the early years of the emperor Justinian. The subtitle Étude géo-ecclésiologique is more complex, as the author acknowledges. How did the theological controversies of the period impact upon relations between the major sees of the period, principally the patriarchates of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, and Antioch, and how have these ecclesiological aspects been evaluated? The book, therefore, concerns the ecclesiological dimensions of theological controversies both at the time of these controversies and subsequently. It is essentially the author’s habilitation thesis (p. vii). The introduction (pp. 1–11) is best read first, where the complex programme of the work is outlined. The Council of Chalcedon in 451, which forms the core of the study, resulted in a notable extension of papal authority. Blaudeau is surely correct on this point. It was the first ecumenical council at which the pope (still then normally called bishop of Rome, but I continue with ‘pope’ for convenience) made a major contribution beyond giving assent to the proceedings. Pope Leo’s ‘Tome’ was singled out for praise by the council and it impacted upon the council’s doctrinal statement. Partly due to Leo’s initiative, papal authority grew within the Christian community.