RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1068
year: 1180
initiator: Pope Alexander III
recipient: Roger de Moulins, master of the Hospital
institution: Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
text: 1178 - 1180. [169] Pope Alexander III writes to Rogerius magister of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. Reiterating a papal warning to observe the traditions and customs of Raimundus [Raymond of Puy], he reminds the master that the Hospitallers should abstain from bearing arms, according to the custom established by Raymond, except when the Relic of the True Cross is brought on campaign for the defence of the kingdom or for the siege of some pagan city, and then only if it is clear that armed assistance is necessary. The Hospital of St John of Jerusalem was instituted for the reception and refection of the poor, who are better defended by love and mercy than by force of arms. The pope is concerned lest the care of the poor be diminished, because of the expense of obtaining arms.
1178 - 1180. [169] Pope Alexander III writes to Rogerius magister of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. Reiterating a papal warning to observe the traditions and customs of Raimundus [Raymond of Puy], he reminds the master that the Hospitallers should abstain from bearing arms, according to the... more
sources: Delaville le Roulx, Cart Hosp 1:360-1