To Peter, Subdeacon of Campania, on the Election at Naples

Gregory to Peter, subdeacon of Campania. Our brother and fellow bishop Paul has often asked us to let him return to his own church. Seeing that this is reasonable, we have thought it necessary to grant his request. So let your experience call together the clergy of the church of Naples, so that they may choose two or three of their number and be sure to send them here for the election of a bishop. But let them also state, in their letter to us, that those they send represent all of them in this election, so that their church may have its own bishop validly ordained. For we cannot allow it to go any longer without a ruler of its own. If they should try in any way to set aside your admonition, bring the force of church discipline to bear on them. For whoever does not agree to this proceeding of his own accord will be giving proof of his own perverseness. Moreover, have one hundred solidi given to Paul, our brother and fellow bishop named above, and one little orphan boy, to be chosen by himself, for his labor on behalf of that church. Further, warn those who are to come here representing all for the election of a bishop that they must remember to bring with them all the bishop’s vestments, and also as much money as they foresee will be needed for the man elected bishop to have for his own use. But lose no time in sending those of the clergy who are chosen, as we have said, so that we may discuss the election of a bishop with the several nobles of the city of Naples who are here at present, and take counsel together, with the Lord’s help. [a]