Gregory to Victor, bishop of Palermo. Just as the Jews ought not to have license to presume anything in their synagogues beyond what is permitted by law, so in those things which have been granted to them they ought to suffer no prejudice. Now the Hebrews dwelling here in this city of Rome have made complaint to us on behalf of those who reside at Palermo, and the petition presented to us by them, contained in the appended documents, sets forth the matter. If, therefore, their grievance is upheld by the truth, it behooves your Fraternity, having diligently examined the tenor of the law, so to keep and observe toward them whatever has been decreed in this affair, that neither may you seem to do anything unjust, nor may they seem to suffer prejudice.
But if there is anything that can reasonably stand in the way of restoring what is demanded, let judges be chosen by the parties, who may be able to determine what accords with equity. And if perchance the dispute itself cannot be settled there, the case must needs come to us; so that, without any ill-will on your part, whatever things seem friendly to justice may be decided. Until, therefore, the case itself reaches its conclusion, let your Fraternity refrain from the consecration of the places which are said to have been taken away.