Letter 9, Peter the Venerable: Letter (98) to Pope Innocent I Summary and Analysis

In this letter, Peter the Venerable, the Abbot of Cluny, writes to the pope, then Innocent II. He notes that Abelard traveled through Cluny recently and complained of being burdened by accusations of heresy. He sought refuge from the Pope and the Abbot decided to write the Pope on his behalf. The Abbot and others advised Abelard to seek the judgment of the Abbot of Citeaux and to remove offensive language from his writings if the Abbot said so. He did this. Afterward, Abelard retreated to Cluny as the Abbot thought appropriate, due to his calling and age. The Abbot ends by asking the people to let Abelard live in the house of Cluny so that Abelard might find sanctuary.