Necator pauperum i necator egentium w prawodawstwie synodów galijskich V-VII wieku

One of the characteristic concepts present in the documents of the Gallic synods from the 5th to the 7th centuries is necator pauperum (slayer of the poor), and related to it necator egentium (slayer of the needy). This article aims to analyse the use of these expressions in the synodal legislation. It shows that the notion generally refers to two types of abuse: retention of the offers due to the Church, and various forms of seizure of Church property. The synods also stipulate severe penalties against those judged guilty of being “slayers of the poor”. The study presents the Gallic Church during a very intense political, social and cultural transition. It is a Church looking for its place in the new post-roman world, at a time of new opportunities and new dangers.