Letter 2033: The spite of the ancient foe has this way of its own, that in the case of those whom, through God resisting him, he cannot delude into the perpetration of evil deeds, he maims their reputation for a time by false reports. Seeing, then, that a sinister rumour about our brother and fellow bishop Leo had disseminated certain things inconsistent wi...

Book II, Letter 33 To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily. Gregory to Peter. Since, God granting it, we are pursuing the interests of the blessed Peter, Prince of the Apostles, we should exercise the greatest care that no injustice be done and that the patrimony of the poor suffer no damage from those who should be protecting it. Accordingly, we have learned that on some estates of the Church in Sicily, those managing them have been collecting more than what is owed and oppressing the poor with unjust burdens. We therefore direct your Experience to investigate this matter thoroughly. Where you discover that more has been collected than is due, restore the excess immediately. And take care that for the future, the correct amounts are demanded, nothing more -- so that those who ought to receive support from the Church's resources are not instead harmed by them. If any estate managers are found guilty of fraud or oppression, remove them from their posts. Replace them with honest men who fear God, from whom the poor will receive just treatment and the Church's interests will suffer no loss.

Book II, Letter 33 To Justinus, Prætor. Gregory to Justinus, etc. The spite of the ancient foe has this way of its own, that in the case of those whom, through God resisting him, he cannot delude into the perpetration of evil deeds, he maims their reputation for a time by false reports. Seeing, then, that a sinister rumour about our brother and fellow bishop Leo had disseminated certain things inconsistent with his priestly profession, we caused strict and lengthened enquiry to be made as to whether they were true, and we have found no fault in him touching the things that had been said. But, that nothing might seem to be omitted, and that no possible doubt might remain in our heart, we caused him over and above to take a strict oath before the most sacred body of the blessed Peter. And, when he had done this, we rejoiced with great exultation that from a proof of this kind his innocence evidently shone forth. Wherefore let your Glory receive the aforesaid man with all charity, and show him reverence such as is becoming towards a priest; nor let any doubtfulness remain in your heart touching the charges from which he has now been purged. But it lies upon you so to cleave in all respects to the above-named bishop, that you may be seen fittingly and becomingly in his person to honour God, whose minister he is.