Letter 3031: Gregory to Romanus, Patrician, and Exarch of Italy. We believe that your Excellency is already aware of the death of Laurentius, bishop of the church of Mediolanum. And since, so far as we have learned from the report of the clergy, all have agreed in the election of our son Constantius, deacon of the same church, it was necessary for us, for ke...

Book III, Letter 31 To Romanus, Patrician and Exarch [the Emperor's supreme representative] of Italy [based in Ravenna]. Gregory to Romanus, Patrician and Exarch of Italy. We believe Your Excellency is already aware of the death of Laurentius, bishop of the church of Milan [one of the most important bishoprics in Italy]. This is a matter of the greatest concern, since Milan, given its position near Lombard territory [the Germanic invaders controlled much of northern Italy], needs a capable and vigilant shepherd more than ever. We urge Your Excellency to ensure that the election of a new bishop proceeds smoothly and without interference. The canonical process must be followed: the clergy and people of Milan should have the primary voice in choosing their new bishop, though we and the civil authority both have legitimate roles in confirming the election. Given the military situation, we ask that you provide whatever security is necessary for the process to take place freely. The last thing Milan needs is a disputed election or a bishop imposed by force. We also request your assistance in maintaining order in the region during the transition. The vacancy of such an important see inevitably creates uncertainty, and there are always those who seek to exploit such moments. We count on Your Excellency's proven devotion to the Church and the state in this matter.

Book III, Letter 31 To Romanus, Patrician. Gregory to Romanus, Patrician, and Exarch of Italy. We believe that your Excellency is already aware of the death of Laurentius, bishop of the church of Mediolanum. And since, so far as we have learned from the report of the clergy, all have agreed in the election of our son Constantius, deacon of the same church, it was necessary for us, for keeping up old usage, to send a soldier of our church, to cause him in whose favour he finds the will and consent of all to concur unanimously to be consecrated by his own bishops, as ancient usage requires, though still with our assent. Wherefore, greeting you with fatherly affection as in duty bound, we request your Excellency to vouchsafe your support, justice approving, to the aforesaid Constantius, whether elected or not, whenever need may arise; to the end that this service may both exalt you here before your enemies, and commend you beforehand in the future life before God. For he is one of mine, and was once associated with me on very intimate terms. And you ought to hold as yours, and to love peculiarly, those whom you know to be ours.

Gregorius Romano patricio et exarcho ltaliz. Obitum Laurentii Ecclesize Mediolanensis episcopi excellentiam veslram jam credimus cognovisse. Et quia, quantum ex cleri relatione didicimus, in Constantio filio noslro, diacono ejusdem Eecclesiz, omnium consistit electio, neces+e fuit pro servanda consuetudine * militem Ecclesiz nostrz dirigere, qui cum in quo. omnium volunlates alque consensum concorditer convenire cognoverit, Þ a sws episcopis, Sicut yelus mos exigit, cum nostro tamen assen>u faciat consecrari. Proinde paterna dilectione persol- ventes debitum salulationis officium, quesumus ut praedicto Conslantio, seu fuerit consecratus epis- copus necne, excellenlia .vestra, ubi necesse fuerit, Suum dignetur impendere juslitia ſavente © solatium, quatenus hec. vos merces et hic apud inimicos ve- slros exalltet, et in futura vos vita apud Deum pre- venienter commendet. Meus est enim proprius, olim- que mihi magna ſuit ſamiliaritate conjunctus. Et vos quos nostros cogroscitis, habere ut vestros ct pecu- liariter diligere debetis. (Vide svp. ep. 29, 50.)