Letter 67: We have kept our sons Petronius the presbyter, and Regulus the deacon, long in the City, both because they deserved this from their favour in our eyes, and because the needs of the Faith, which is now being assailed by the error of some, demanded it. For we wished them to be present when we discussed the matter, and to ascertain everything which...

To his dearly beloved brother Ravennius, Bishop of Arles — Leo the pope. We have kept our sons Petronius the presbyter and Regulus the deacon in Rome for an extended time, both because they merited this through our regard for them, and because the needs of the Faith — which is now under attack from the errors of certain people — demanded it. We wanted them to be present during our discussions on the matter, and to learn everything that we wish, through you, beloved, to bring to the attention of all our brother bishops. We are specifically entrusting this task to you, dear brother: that through your vigilant diligence, our letter issued to the East in defense of the Faith — or alternatively the letter of Cyril [Bishop of Alexandria, d. 444, a leading theologian who championed orthodox Christology] of blessed memory, which is entirely in agreement with our views — may become known to all the brethren. This way, armed with these arguments, they may fortify themselves with spiritual strength against those who see fit to insult the Lord's Incarnation with their false beliefs. You have an excellent opportunity, beloved brother, to commend the start of your episcopacy to all the churches and to our God, if you carry out these responsibilities in the way we have charged and instructed you. As for the matters that could not be committed to writing, with God's help you will carry them out effectively and commendably when you have learned about them directly from our aforementioned sons. God keep you safe, dearest brother. Dated May 5, in the consulship of the most glorious Valentinian (for the seventh time) and the distinguished Avienus (450).

To his dearly-beloved brother Ravennius Bishop of Arles, Leo the pope. We have kept our sons Petronius the presbyter, and Regulus the deacon, long in the City, both because they deserved this from their favour in our eyes, and because the needs of the Faith, which is now being assailed by the error of some, demanded it. For we wished them to be present when we discussed the matter, and to ascertain everything which we desire through you, beloved, should reach the knowledge of all our brethren and fellow bishops, specially deputing this to you, dear brother, that through your watchful diligence our letter, which we have issued to the East in defense of the Faith, or else that of Cyril of blessed memory, which agrees throughout with our views, may become known to all the brethren; in order that being furnished with arguments they may fortify themselves with spiritual strength against those who think fit to insult the Lord's Incarnation with their misbeliefs. You have a favourable opportunity, beloved brother, of recommending the commencement of your episcopacy to all the churches and to our God, if you will carry out these things in the way we have charged and enjoined you. But the matters which were not to be committed to paper, in reliance on God's aid, you shall carry out effectually, as we have said, and laudably, when you have learned about them from the mouths of our aforesaid sons. God keep you safe, dearest brother. Dated 5th of May, in the consulship of the most glorious Valentinianus (for the 7th time) and of the famous Avienus (450).