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November 22. Lyons. Pope Innocent IV writes to King Bayonoy and all the noble princes and barons of the army of the Mongols (Tartari), relating that he received kindly the nuncios that they sent to him and diligently understood what they informed him through them. The pope explains that it is his duty to care for every rational creature. Thus at one time, in order not to appear negligent concerning their salvation, although they are far away, he sent his nuncios to them to explain to them the true and correct faith, to deflect them from the path of death, and to direct them to the path of life and salvation. But since they have not yet been enlightened by the Christian faith and still walk in the shadows of ignorance, hardly knowing the Creator, the Redeemer, the Saviour, the Son of God Jesus Christ, the pope is deeply disturbed with great sorrow because of the danger to their souls, especially since they no longer have an excuse before God after the truth of the faith has been explained to them. Nor should they insolently glory in the powers through which the Lord permitting they have overcome many nations of men, but rather they should humble themselves before Him and recognize His great patience, since He has tolerated their actions for so long, waiting for them to leave the path of errors and convert to the path of truth. Thus they can rightly fear provoking His anger, if they do not acknowledge His omnipotence. Therefore the pope warns them to acquiesce in the pope’s advice and think to their souls, departing the way to eternal death and taking the right road to the joys of perennial life, with Christ the Son of God leading. For this, they should cease slaughtering humans in the future, especially Christians, abstaining from those things that offend God, to earn His grace and mercy.