Abstract

Through his attitude towards the "lapsi", Cyprian showed a deep sense of ecclesial reconciliation. He emphasized the significant role of the bishop governing the local Church and deeply contributing to its unity. He also had a high ideal of the unity between the various Churches. But he faced some difficulties, too. How was it possible to conciliate the idea of a local autonomy with the aim of a communion between the Churches? What could be done in the case of an ecclesial crisis? Cyprian did not attribute to the bishop of Rome a primacy in the full sense of the term, but his concrete attitude shows that he wished to refer to him in some specific situations.