Gregory to Boniface, bishop of Reggio. Since neither the desolation of the place nor the diminution of persons permits another to be ordained for the Church of Carina, its bishop being dead, we are constrained by the greater care lest those dwelling there, if destitute of a pastor's moderation, be snatched through the pathless ways of faith by the snares of the crafty enemy. This counsel, therefore, has settled in our heart: that it ought to be committed to your solicitude, which we have decided to do by these present writings.
That you may hasten the more diligently to have and exercise the care and governance of it, we decree that it be joined and united to your Church, so that you may rightly, with Christ's help, be able to exist as priest of both Churches, and may with vigilant and canonical care arrange whatever shall seem good to you concerning its patrimony or the ordination of the clergy, since, as its proper priest, you will have free license by this our present permission. Wherefore, most dear brother, wholesomely remembering the Lord's commands, so watch in the governance of the people committed to you and in the winning of souls, that, standing before the tribunal of the eternal Judge, you may hold out to our Redeemer the fruit of good work, which may pertain to your reward, and in which He may be able to rejoice.