The Caroligian Dynasty was formed because of the needs of both the Frankish Kingdom and the Papacy. The church was in great need of defense and lacked the force and power necessary to retrieve lands wrongfully usurped from them. Whereas the Franks were in need of a righteous and divine authority to affirm their validity as Kings of the Frankish domain. The relationship between the church and the state became one of mutual benefit. Pope Zachary made the famous decision to anoint Pepin as their king, which had never been done before, and constructed a Frankish Dynasty. While the church’s need for the services the Frank’s provided, Zachary’s decision was later regretted as the sacralization of secular office caused many issues. His successor, Pope Stephen II journeyed to Franklin and met with Pepin in order to heighten his prestige and power, associate him with the Roman imperial past, and instate an obligation for the Franks to protect the Roman church. Pope Stephen II gave him the new title of “patrician of the Romans.”
This letter was written in order to procure aid from the Franks for the Roman Church. Stephen extensively utilized biblical references, colorful language and christian concepts in order to persuade Pepin of his obligation to the Roman Church. Numerous times he reminded him of how serious and righteous the vow of the Franks to the Church was, expanding upon God’s desire for them to stay true to it. Stephen is exhorting the Franks to rescue the Roman city of God and backing it up with extensive biblical encouragement. He essentially states that if they refuse, they would be rejecting their God given duties and committing great sin.

I feel that Gregory the Great had altogether different motives and heart behind the authority that he exercised. His heart was one interested in truly exploring and practicing the love and grace that Jesus taught. Stephen is more interested in what he can receive than what he can give. It seems as though he used christian language to accomplish his agenda.