Letter 1080: Although for a long time it has caused you no sorrow that the Church of God should be without a pontiff, yet as for us, we are both compelled by the charge of the office we bear and bound especially by the charity of our love for you, to take thought for its government, knowing that in its supervision lies at the same time advantage to your soul...
Book I, Letter 80
To the Clergy and Nobles of Corsica.
Gregory to the Clergy and Nobles. An identical letter to each.
Although it has not seemed to trouble you for a long time that the Church of God should be without a bishop, we for our part are compelled both by the duties of our office and by our special love for you to take thought for its governance. We know that oversight of the church also means the welfare of your souls. If a flock lacks a shepherd's care, it easily falls into the snares of the one who lies in wait.
Since the church of Saona has long lacked a bishop, we have appointed our brother and fellow bishop Martinus as its permanent bishop, and we have assigned our brother Bishop Leo the task of overseeing it. We have also granted Leo authority to ordain priests and deacons in it and its parishes, and permitted him to manage its property as though he were its own bishop for as long as he serves there.
We therefore urge you by this letter to receive the above-mentioned visitor with all devotion and show him reasonable obedience, as befits sons of the Church. Supported by your cooperation, he will be able to accomplish everything that benefits the church.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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