Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 602

Gregory to Fortunatus, bishop of Naples. We have received a report of certain persons dwelling in the city of Naples concerning certain matters, Stephen being the bearer. Concerning which the magnificent man Theodorus, headman of the people, coming to us, had already before complained that prejudices had been inflicted upon them by Your Fraternity in these matters. But we have also received another report of certain persons living in the aforesaid city, who follow the party of the aforesaid headman of the people. From which we have clearly ascertained that the people has divided itself into two parts.

And since it is grievous to us, and burdensome to you, that discord has arisen among the inhabitants of the said city—for whose unity and concord you ought to have striven—therefore we exhort Your Fraternity with these twofold words, that, all excuse ceasing, you send hither in haste an instructed person, who, whether in the judgment of chosen arbiters, or at least of those deputed by us, if there be any matters to be dealt with on your behalf, may be able in every point to answer the intentions and objections of the adversaries; so that, the truth being known, the cause may here receive a wholesome end;

so that, all the matters which had come into contention being reasonably terminated, no heaviness may in this strife gather strength, but peace alone between you and your sons, as is fitting, and charity may persevere. Since therefore the contentions that have arisen can by no reasoning there be settled—seeing that among the inhabitants so great a dissension has been born that there is no one who can answer in judgment, or remain with the zeal of defending either party—let Your Fraternity so act that in the sending of the person, as we have said, you attach no tardiness by any excuse whatsoever.