To Castorius the Notary, on Electing a Bishop for Ravenna

Gregory to Castorius, and so on. [a]

The news of the death of our brother and fellow bishop John has greatly saddened us, especially since that city has at this time lost the comfort of a shepherd’s care. Since a great many interests of the church itself require that, under the guidance of Christ, a priest be ordained without delay, we therefore charge your experience to urge the clergy and people with all urgency not to delay in electing for themselves a priest to be consecrated. But this above all we want you to press on them: that in a matter that concerns everyone they do not look to their own private interests. So let there be no buying and selling in this election, for fear that, while they crave rewards, they lose their judgment in choosing, and think a man worthy of this office who has pleased them, not by his merits, but by his gifts. For let them know this above all and without any doubt: whoever dares to make merchandise of the gift of God, thinking to buy it for a price, is not only unworthy of the priesthood but will certainly become still more guilty. So let the man who is chosen be not the one who is generous with bribes, but the one who is worthy for his merits. For the penalty will fall on both the one elected and those who elect him, if they try with sacrilegious minds to violate the purity of the priesthood. Moreover, whether one or two have been elected, be sure to tell five of the senior presbyters and five of the leading people to come to us together. As for the clergy, if besides those who decide to come you think the presence of any others is needed, send them to us without delay, so that there may be no plea of excuse and no delay in setting the church in order. [b]