To Justinus, Praetor of Sicily

Gregory to Justinus, and so on. [a]

The spite of the ancient enemy has this way of its own: those whom he cannot trick into doing evil, because God resists him, he wounds for a time in their good name by false reports. An ugly rumor about our brother and fellow bishop Leo had spread certain things out of keeping with his calling as a priest. So we had a strict and lengthy inquiry made into whether they were true, and we have found no fault in him regarding the things that had been said. But so that nothing might seem to have been left undone, and so that no doubt at all might remain in our heart, we had him take, besides, a strict oath before the most sacred body of the blessed Peter. When he had done this, we rejoiced with great gladness that by a proof of this kind his innocence clearly shone out. So let your glory receive this man with all love, and show him the reverence that is fitting toward a priest. And let no doubt remain in your heart about the charges of which he has now been cleared. It is your duty to hold to this bishop in every respect, so that in his person you may be seen to honor God fittingly and properly, whose minister he is. [b]