To Donus, Bishop of Messina, Granting the Pallium

Gregory to Donus, bishop of Messina. Moved by the kindness of the Apostolic See and by the order of ancient custom, we have thought fit to grant you the use of the pallium, since you are known to have taken up the office of government in the church of Messina. You may use it at the times and in the manner in which we do not dispute that your predecessor used it. At the same time we warn you: as you rejoice at having received from us an ornament of this kind, to the honor of your priestly office, so you must also strive to adorn, to the glory of Christ, the office you have taken up under our authority, by uprightness of manners and of deeds. For in this way you will be conspicuous for two ornaments that answer to each other, if all the good qualities of your soul agree with such a garment of the body as this. For we confirm by our authority all the privileges known to have been granted to your church of old, and we decree that they shall remain unbroken. [a]