Carissimo in Christo filio Alfonso illustri Portugalensium regi: re-framing the relationship between the papacy and Portugal in the twelfth century

This article explores the path that ultimately led to the concession of the bull Manifestis probatum in light of recent historiographical developments, with a particular focus on the Roman point of view, as part of an attempt to understand how the Apostolic See saw the new political institution led by Afonso Henriques, the kingdom of Portugal. The relations between the papacy and Portugal are here considered as an interaction between two emerging entities of the Middle Ages, both looking for acknowledgement. This need for legitimisation can only be understood through the changes in the European political and ecclesiastical context, which profoundly influenced the formulas and language adopted by these entities in their documentation, especially by the papal chancery. With each successive pope, the same expressions acquired different nuances and meanings, there was not a linear and organised programme.