Theodulf of Orléans

Theodulf of Orléans was a Carolingian bishop, theologian, poet, administrator, and biblical scholar, probably born in northern Spain around 760. Of Visigothic background, he entered the circle of Charlemagne and became one of the learned churchmen associated with the Carolingian renewal of education and theology. By about 798 he was bishop of Orléans, and he also held important monastic responsibilities. His writings addressed baptism, the Holy Spirit, church discipline, biblical study, and public ethics.

Theodulf’s career changed sharply under Louis the Pious. Accused of involvement in the revolt of Bernard of Italy, he was deposed in 818 and exiled to Angers. During this period he is generally believed to have composed the Latin Palm Sunday hymn “Gloria, laus et honor,” now known in English as “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.” The hymn became part of medieval Palm Sunday processions and survives in ninth-century manuscripts.

A famous later story says that Emperor Louis heard Theodulf sing the hymn from prison and released him. The story appears centuries after the event and is probably legendary. Theodulf seems instead to have remained in or near exile until his death in 821.