Gregory I

Gregory I., called "the Great," Pope of Rome, was born towards the middle of the sixth century. Previous to the death of his father he took an active part in civil affairs, but at that period he gave up his property to pious uses, embraced the Benedictine rule, and passed his life in prayer and charitable works. He represented the Papacy at Constantinople for more than three yeais, and in 590, soon after his return, was chosen Pore, but did his utmost to avoid taking the office. His pontificate lasted fourteen years, during which order was restored in Rome, ecclesiastical discipline was strengthened in France and Italy, heresy was vigorously combated in Spain and Africa, and England was evangelised. Gregory died at Rome in 604. Numerous works arc attributed to this Pope, who had a great dislike of all secular learning. The Moralia, an exposition of the Book of Job, and Homilies on the Gospels and Ezekiel are undoubted, but the work on the seven Penitential Psalms is almost certainly spurious.