Letter 13044

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Unknown|gregory great

**From:** Gregory I, Bishop of Rome
**To:** John, Bishop of Panormus, and others
**Date:** ~603 AD
**Context:** A capitulary (set of instructions/rulings) addressed to the bishop of Palermo and other Sicilian church officials.

I set out here certain matters that require your attention and compliance. First, regarding the conduct of clergy under your oversight — ensure that proper standards are maintained and that no one in your charge brings dishonor on the Church through irregular behavior. Second, regarding church property — nothing is to be alienated or disposed of without proper authorization. Third, regarding the poor — their claims on the Church's resources are not to be ignored or deferred. These instructions are binding. I expect reports of compliance.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.