Gregory I, Pope. Called the "Great." Was appointed by the emperor of the East, governor of Rome, but on inheriting his father's wealth, resigned it, and became Abbot of St. Andrew's, Rome. After being secretary to Pelagius II, he succeeded him as Bishop of Rome. Renounced communion with the Eastern Christians because of the assumption of the title "Universal Bishop" by the patriarch of Constantinople. Composed chants and established a musical school, in which he taught, and collected arranged fragments of ancient hymns. He was a great opponent of secular learning, but was author of numerous sacred works, of which the chief was his "Morals from the Book of Job." Died 604.

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