Libellus: Addressed to Leo X, Supreme Pontiff by Blessed Paolo Giustiniani & Pietro Querini, Hermits of Camaldoli (Reformation texts with translation)

Beall presents a new Latin edition with facing pages of English translation of Libellus ad Leionem Decimum, a long letter addressed in 1513 to the new pope Leo X. The authors were two Camaldolese monks, Paulo Guistiniani and Pietro Querini, convinced that the Church needed imminent reform. Their letter predates the Theses of Martin Luther by three years, and though they agreed in principles with some points in previous reformers' understanding of the problems and their solutions, Beall says, their orientation was fully in support of the core of traditional doctrine and of the supremacy of the bishop of Rome and the steadfast tradition of previous councils. There was no response to the letter from Rome, and Leo's reaction to it is not known, but it remains one piece of the movement that led to the Reformation. Annotation ©2017 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Stephen M. Beall is an Associate Professor of Classics at Marquette University, where he has taught Latin and Greek for 23 years. His research interests include the theory and practice of translation and the history of Jesuit education.

John J. Schmitt is Associate Professor Emeritus, Marquette University. He taught biblical studies for 30 years in the Department of Theology, focusing on the Hebrew Bible, especially the prophetic books, with emphasis on the exclusively masculine personification of the people Israel. Other interests include interfaith relations and the monastic tradition.