Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 675

Gregory to the clergy and noble citizens of Naples. It is neither new nor blameworthy, in electing a bishop, for the votes of the people to be divided into two parts; but it is grievous when, in cases of this kind, the election comes not from judgement but from mere favour. For before your written reports reached us, we learned from the account of certain persons that John the deacon, who was elected by the other party, has a little daughter. Wherefore, if they had been willing to attend to reason, neither ought the others to have elected him, nor he himself to have consented. For with what presumption does he dare to approach the episcopate, who is convicted, by the testimony of a little daughter, of not yet having the long continence of his body? But Peter, likewise a deacon,

whom you assert to have been elected by you, is, so far as is said, altogether simple. And you know that at this time such a man ought to be set in the citadel of governance who knows how to be solicitous not only for the salvation of souls, but also for the outward advantage and safeguarding of those subject to him. For besides this, know that it has reached us concerning him that he has given money at interest, which it behooves you to inquire into with all subtlety; and if it should be so established, elect another, and suspend yourselves without delay from a person of this kind. For we by no means lay hands upon lovers of usury.

But if, after subtle inquiry has been made, this should turn out to be false, since his person is unknown to us, and we do not know whether what has been brought to us concerning his simplicity be so, it is necessary that he come to us with a decree made by you, so that, inquiring more carefully into his life and morals, we may likewise learn his understanding as well; that if he shall prove suited to this office, we may, with the Lord's help, fulfil your desires in him. Let it moreover be part of your care to provide also another who may be suited, so that if perhaps this man does not seem fit for this order, there may be one toward whom your election can turn.

For it will be a grievous reproach to that clergy if, should this man perhaps not be approved, they should say that they have no other who ought to be elected.