18 Pre-Crusades Forgiveness of Sin for Fighting Wars

The following texts show precedents for Popes granting forgiveness of sins for fighting against “the heathen.” Both Pope Leo IV and Pope John VIII led the church during times when Rome was attacked by Muslim (what they called Saracen) forces.

Forgiveness of Sins for Those who Die in Battle with the Heathen. Leo IV (847–55) to the Army of the Franks.^[1]

Now we hope that none of you will be slain, but we wish you to know that the kingdom of heaven will be given as a reward to those who shall be killed in this war. For the Omnipotent knows that they lost their lives fighting for the truth of the faith, for the preservation of their country, and the defense of Christians. And therefore God will give them the reward which we have named.

Indulgence for Fighting Heathen, 878.^[2]

John VIII to the bishops in the realm of Louis II [the Stammerer]. You have modestly expressed a desire to know whether those who have recently died in war, fighting in defense of the church of God and for the preservation of the Christian religion and of the state, or those who may in the future fall in the same cause, may obtain indulgence for their sins. We confidently reply that those who, out of love to the Christian religion, shall die in battle fighting bravely against pagans or unbelievers, shall receive eternal life. For the Lord has said through his prophet: “In whatever hour a sinner shall be converted, I will remember his sins no longer.” By the intercession of St. Peter, who has the power of binding and loosing in heaven and on the earth, we absolve, as far as is permissible, all such and commend them by our prayers to the Lord.