Hilarus, pope, to his most beloved brother Leontius.

To Our affection — which abounds toward the Gallican Churches and all the Lord’s priests in them, even those placed in the lower ranks1 — much increase has been added by the fact that the content of your address was delivered to Us through the illustrious man Pappolus, Our son. From this, however, We infer that Our letter, which We sent long ago concerning the beginnings of Our episcopate, had not yet reached you when you were writing: about which you certainly would not have been silent, had some cause not delayed the couriers. Therefore, what both custom and charity required, We signify that We had already performed — and We wish you to know this more fully from the very copies of the letters that We sent, so that you may understand that We were in no way negligent in fraternal duty, and that we may thus strive in turn to frequent exchanges, so that the care of writing may compensate for the absence of Our common presence, dearest brother.

You have therefore not permitted the grace of your affection to perish — since I know you to be intent on that solicitude by which you desire Us to strive to observe the rules of the paternal canons. Nothing more salutary could be conceived as a desire than this: that in the one Church — which ought to have neither spot nor wrinkle (Eph 5:27) — there be in all things a single observance of discipline. To which, if anything of instruction or correction must be added, it will most rightly be provided through your diligence, if — as you have deigned to write — a person well instructed be sent to Us, one who can fully inform Our inquiry from every angle. For We promise, as far as the grace of God grants Us to promise, that We shall provide for this — for the universal concord of the Lord’s priests: that all may not dare to seek their own things, but may strive to obtain the things which are Christ’s.2 May God keep you safe, dearest brother.