To Scholasticus, Judge of Campania

Gregory to Scholasticus, judge of Campania. We were greatly distressed in our care for the city of Naples, bereaved of the comfort of a priest. Then the arrival of the bearers of this letter, with the decree for the election of our subdeacon Florentius, gave us some relief under so great a weight of worry. But when it turned out that our subdeacon had fled from the city itself and had begged with tears not to be ordained, know that our sadness grew, as though some heavier blow had been dealt us. So, with a warm greeting, we urge your greatness to gather the leading men or the people of the city, so that they may give thought to electing someone else who may be worthy to be promoted to the priesthood, with Christ’s comfort. Then, once the decree has been formally passed and sent to this city, let the ordination go forward among yourselves, with Christ’s help. But if you cannot find a suitable person on whom you agree, then at least choose three upright and wise men, to be sent to this city as representing the community, men whose judgment the whole population will accept. Perhaps when they come here they will find someone who can be ordained your bishop without reproach. So your bereaved city will neither lack within itself someone to watch over its conduct, nor, once the care of a priest is supplied to it, open the door to hostile snares from outside. [a]