Hormisdas to Justin Augustus.

The joy we took from the rise of your empire, though already strong in merit, has been further magnified by your recent message, as we have affirmed with reciprocal devotion. Already then, we foresaw the forthcoming matters you have now indicated, by the inspiration of divine grace, concerning your desire for ecclesiastical unity. Therefore, most merciful Emperor, you already possess the present glory of such an endeavor, but its everlasting perfection is still awaited.

These are the strongest foundations of your empire, which at the very beginning of its reign, place divine worship and holy governance before all. Therefore, maintain this commendable concern for peace and, as you have begun, continue striving for the peace of the Catholics, for our God, who has granted you this mind, has also chosen those through whom He will bring it to effect. We gratefully accept the wishes and prayers poured forth by the bishops. Still, they, reminded of their position, desire what the frequent exhortations of the Apostolic See have long urged them to follow.

And since we have learned that you desire this, and they also request it, it is not unknown to your piety or to theirs, like a hidden cause, what has so far divided the peace of the Churches under contentious obstinacy. What they should do is contained in our letters and in the document we have sent. If they accept and follow these things, with the help of our God and your mercy, we can reach that concord for which we fervently desire.

Furthermore, our son, the most illustrious Count Gratus of the Sacred Consistory and Master of the Offices of Memory, has shown in himself your sound judgment by the promptness of his presentation: his presence will better ensure your understanding by his own account (in the year of our Lord 518).