ABSTRACT
Despite recent extensive explorations of the contributions of the Cistercian and mendicant orders to preaching against heresy and the justification of anti-heretical crusades, comparatively speaking, much less attention has been given to the influence of Paris masters in these arenas. 2 Yet throughout the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, networks of Paris-trained reformers collaborated with individuals from the Praemonstratensian, Cistercian and Victorine orders, local prelates and noblemen in the legal and pastoral fight against heresy in northern Europe and the promotion of the anti-heretical crusade. This paper will examine how Paris masters joined their regular religious colleagues and canonists in providing guidance to prelates, secular rulers and noblemen on the conduct and conditions essential for a just war. Their advice influenced debates conducted between the Paris-educated Pope Innocent III, his legates, prelates and secular rulers over the sanctioning, modus operandi and goals of the Albigensian Crusade.
