Letter 2045

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Unknown|gregory great
From: Gregory the Great, Pope, in Rome
To: Benenatus, bishop
Date: ~592 AD
Context: Gregory unites the churches of Cumae and Misenum, and appoints Benenatus as bishop over both.

Gregory to Benenatus, bishop.

The churches of Cumae and Misenum have both been struggling with inadequate episcopal leadership. I have therefore determined to unite them under a single bishop, and I appoint you to serve that combined see. The union of these two churches under your governance will, I believe, produce a more stable and well-served community than the separate and struggling arrangements that have preceded it.

Exercise your episcopal authority over both communities with the same care and attention. The union is not merely administrative; it is meant to serve the pastoral needs of the faithful in both places. See that it does.

Gregory

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