Law and Practice in the Age of Reform: The Legatine Work of Hugh of Die (1073-1106) by Kriston R. Rennie (review)

This book gives an insight into Gregory VII's use of legates to promote, advance, and enforce the papal reform agenda. Kriston Rennie analyses the involvement of Hugh of Die, who was a key figure of the Church reform of the eleventh century as Bishop of Die (1073-81) and later Archbishop of Lyon (1081-1106). During Gregory VII's pontificate, the institution of the legate became one of the most influential mechanisms of papal administration and reform. Its frequent use enabled the evolution of the relationship between the central government of the Church and the dispersed outposts of the Church across Latin Christendom. Rennie's examination of Hugh's legatine councils details the scope of Hugh's activity and the institutionalisation of the office of legate and the growth of its powers. The area of reform in France targeted by the papacy was extensive: simony, lay investiture, and nicolaitism. The enthusiasm and force with which Hugh exercised his office, developing its authority by 'trial and error', had the effect of further expanding the limits of legatine power more broadly.

The most significant contribution that Rennie makes is to reveal and describe the ways that legatine authority emerged as the 'parameters of canonical right and wrong behaviour became delineated more clearly' (p. 102). In reconstructing Hugh's career, Rennie outlines how Hugh's tough decisions - which perhaps crossed the boundaries of the law - allowed Gregory VII to act as the mediator and the final umpire who dispensed mercy upon those who accepted his judgement. This close cooperation between the legate and the pope created the impression of an active and engaged papacy. Through the activities of his legates, the pope intervened in local communities and in those issues aimed at delivering reform at the grass roots level. Gregory VII's claim to judicial primacy of Rome was further facilitated by legates such as Hugh of Die and served to centralise the government of the Church.

Rennie's work contributes in a significant way to the understanding of the development of the institution of papal legate. This institution played an effective role in the age of reform, as it drew its authority from popes with strong ideas, who pursued reformist agendas and were convinced of the righteousness of their cause.