Between Pastoral Care and Jurisdiction: Some Notes on the Frontiers of Papal Action between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages

This paper explores the evolving concept of ‘frontiers’ in papal activity between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. By focusing on the interconnected domains of dogmatic-pastoral and jurisdictional authority, we will examine how the Roman Church and its popes strategically redefined their boundaries, both geographical and political. While traditional historical methodologies will be employed, we will also draw upon contemporary approaches, such as georeferencing and social network analysis, to illuminate the complex network of institutional relations that underpinned papal expansion. This analysis will offer insights into the development of papal frontiers between the fifth and eighth centuries. By leveraging its dogmatic-pastoral authority, the papacy sought to extend its influence beyond traditional geographical, institutional, and ecclesial limits. A prime example of this is the papal strategy of acquiring jurisdictional authority over former Byzantine territories in central and northern Italy during the eighth century. Ultimately, this paper argues that the papacy employed a range of cultural, liturgical, and pastoral strategies to expand its influence beyond its core territories. These tactics proved highly effective in shaping the religious and political landscape of the early Middle Ages.