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Mongol Letter to the Pope

Type Event Region Mongolian Plateau Time 1246

In 1246 Güyük Khan replied in writing to the papal mission of John of Plano Carpini, demanding the pope and princes come to pay homage or face conque…

Timeline

  1. 1245–1246Mongol court encampment · Central AsiaPope Innocent IV sent the Franciscan John of Plano Carpini eastward with a mission to learn Mongol intentions and persuade them to stop killing and convert to Christianity. After great hardship the mission reached the Mongol camp where Güyük's enthronement was about to take place.
  2. 1246Güyük's enthronement kurultai · Mongolian PlateauGüyük Khan replied to the pope in Mongolian diplomatic style (in Mongolian or Uyghur script; only a Latin translation survives), declaring the Mandate of Heaven belonged to Genghis Khan's family and demanding the pope come in person to pay homage, failing which he would be treated as an enemy. The letter's tone was harsh, denying the pope equal standing as a spiritual leader.
  3. 1246–1247Papal court at Lyon · FranceJohn of Plano Carpini returned to Europe carrying the letter, reporting to the papal court on Mongol power structures and Güyük's intentions. Copies circulated in Europe, intensifying perceptions of the Mongol threat and prompting the papacy to continue exploring diplomatic and military responses.

Sources