condemnation of the Macedonian heresy by the decree of Pope Damasus, who had already condemned it in a Synod at Rome. The Council was in part confirmed, so far as the condemnation of the Macedonian heresy and the declaration of the Nicene faith; but Pope Damasus rejected its canons.
The Council of Ephesus was directed by the letters of Pope Cœlestine to condemn Nestorius, whom he had already condemned in a Council at Rome.
The Council of Chalcedon was directed by S. Leo to condemn Eutyches, whom he had already condemned. The Fathers of the Council would define nothing until they had heard the Tome, or dogmatic letter of the Pontiff. They then answered in words which since then have become a sacred tradition and a theological principle: 'Peter has spoken by Leo.'
The Second Council of Constantinople would make no decree respecting the Three Chapters till Pope Vigilius had condemned them.
The Third Council of Constantinople, by direction of Pope Agatho, who in a Council at Rome had already condemned the Monothelite heresy, again condemned it. Pope Agatho wrote to the Council, exhorting them to liberate the Church from error, and to declare the true faith, 'which was founded upon the firm rock, that is, of this Church of blessed Peter, Prince of the Apostles, which by his favour and protection remains pure from all error.' To this the Fathers answered, as at Chalcedon, 'Receiving the suggestions directed … by the most holy and
