The two books
collect the interventions of the first and the second International Conference,
that were organized by the Cátedra Inocencio III.
The first book (INNOCENT
III AND HIS TIME. From absolute papal monarchy to the Fourth Lateran Council)is
focus on the pontificate of Pope Innocent III, the Church, and the great events
that occurred during his pontificate in the late twelfth and early thirteenth
century. Most scholars would agree that Innocent learning, youth, and vision of
the papacy was of extraordinary importance for the evolution of the Roman
Catholic Church. Some may even agree with James I of Aragon that “since there
was no better pope in the church of Rome”. The king was right. Innocent
elevated and exalted the papal office in unprecedented ways. His decretal
letters redefined the relationship of the bishop of Rome to the Holy Roman
emperor and the other European secular rulers.
The second book(JUSTICE,
MERCY AND LAW. From revenge to forgiveness in the History of Law) analizes
the dynamics that take place between law, justice and mercy. Law and justice
are inextricably linked in a sometimes difficult relationship that changes over
time under the pressure of economic, political and cultural limitations.
The law, in
principle, is the instrument that allows justice to be done. But what justice
should he achieve? With all the evidence, the correct use of an instrument can
not be separated from the clear determination of the purpose for which it is
used. Therefore, the variable perception of the concept of justice, brings with
it an equally varied conception of the instrument of law, very sensitive to the
evolution of the contingencies of space and time.
