Letter 10062: Gregory to the clergy and noble citizens of Naples. It is not a new thing, nor is it reprehensible, that in the election of a bishop the votes of the people should be divided between two parties: but it is a serious matter when in cases of this kind the election goes not by judgment, but by favour only. For before your letter reached us we had l...
Pope Gregory the Great→Neapolitans|c. 600 AD|Pope Gregory the Great|Human translated
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Gregory to the clergy and noble citizens of Naples.
It is neither new nor wrong for the people's votes to split between two candidates in a bishop's election. But it is a serious matter when an election is driven by favoritism rather than judgment.
Before your letter reached me, I had already learned from reports that the deacon John, elected by the other party, has a small daughter. If they had bothered to consider reason, neither would others have elected him nor would he have consented. What kind of presumption is it for a man to approach the office of bishop when the existence of his little girl is living proof that he has not long controlled his own body?
As for Peter the deacon, whom you say your side has elected -- reports indicate he is entirely lacking in shrewdness. In these times, the person placed in the highest seat of governance must know how to look after not only the salvation of souls but also the practical safety and welfare of his people.
There is more: I have heard that Peter has lent money at interest. You must investigate this thoroughly. If it is true, elect someone else immediately and keep your distance from such a person. I will under no circumstances ordain anyone who practices usury.
If, however, after careful investigation, the usury charge proves false -- since I do not know him personally and cannot verify the reports about his simplicity -- he must come to me with your formal decree of election. I will examine his life, character, and intelligence myself. If he passes that examination, we will, with the Lord's help, fulfill your wishes.
In the meantime, take care that your church is looked after properly and is not left neglected.
Book X, Letter 62
To the Neapolitans.
Gregory to the clergy and noble citizens of Naples.
It is not a new thing, nor is it reprehensible, that in the election of a bishop the votes of the people should be divided between two parties: but it is a serious matter when in cases of this kind the election goes not by judgment, but by favour only. For before your letter reached us we had learned from the report of certain persons that the deacon John, who has been elected by the other party, has a little daughter. Hence, if they had had a mind to attend to reason, neither would others have elected him nor would he have consented. For what presumption must his be who dares to approach the episcopate while convicted by the evidence of the little girl, of not having had long control over his own body! Moreover, Peter the deacon, who you say has been elected by you, is, according to what is said, quite without astuteness. And you know that at the present time the person to be constituted in the highest place of government, should be one who knows how to be careful, not only for the salvation of souls, but also with regard to the external advantage and safeguard of his subjects. But know further that it has come to our ears concerning him, that he has given money on usury; which thing you ought to enquire into thoroughly, and, if it is so, elect another, and without delay hold yourselves aloof from a person of this kind. For we will on no account lay hands on lovers of usury. If, however, after accurate enquiry made, this should prove to be false (since his person is unknown to us, and we know not whether what has been reported to us of his simplicity be true), he must needs come to us with your decree in his favour, that, having made careful enquiry into his life and manners, we may at the same time become acquainted with his intelligence; and thus, in case of his satisfying this enquiry, we may in him, with the Lord's help, fulfil your desires. Further, let it be your care to look out also for another person who may be suitable, so that, if this one should by any chance appear unfit for appointment to this order, there may be some one else to whom you may transfer your choice. For it will be a serious disgrace to your clergy, in case of this man by any chance not being approved, if they should say that they have no one else fit to be elected.
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Gregory to the clergy and noble citizens of Naples.
It is neither new nor wrong for the people's votes to split between two candidates in a bishop's election. But it is a serious matter when an election is driven by favoritism rather than judgment.
Before your letter reached me, I had already learned from reports that the deacon John, elected by the other party, has a small daughter. If they had bothered to consider reason, neither would others have elected him nor would he have consented. What kind of presumption is it for a man to approach the office of bishop when the existence of his little girl is living proof that he has not long controlled his own body?
As for Peter the deacon, whom you say your side has elected -- reports indicate he is entirely lacking in shrewdness. In these times, the person placed in the highest seat of governance must know how to look after not only the salvation of souls but also the practical safety and welfare of his people.
There is more: I have heard that Peter has lent money at interest. You must investigate this thoroughly. If it is true, elect someone else immediately and keep your distance from such a person. I will under no circumstances ordain anyone who practices usury.
If, however, after careful investigation, the usury charge proves false -- since I do not know him personally and cannot verify the reports about his simplicity -- he must come to me with your formal decree of election. I will examine his life, character, and intelligence myself. If he passes that examination, we will, with the Lord's help, fulfill your wishes.
In the meantime, take care that your church is looked after properly and is not left neglected.
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