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...
Pope Gregory the Great→Romanus, Patrician, and Exarch of Italy|c. 592 AD|gregory great
barbarian invasionimperial politics
Military conflict; Economic matters; Death & mourning
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.
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Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 12. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1895.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/360203031.htm>.
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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.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.