To Romanus the Defensor, on an Istrian Bishop Living in Sicily

Gregory to Romanus, and so on. [a]

The bearers of this letter came here from the region of Istria to find their bishop, who is now living in Sicily, and they have asked us to send them on their way. We have arranged their journey from here. So let your experience receive them and arrange for them to reach their bishop as soon as possible, for fear, as they say may happen, that other schismatics in those parts should get to them first and win them over. For, as far as they indicate, the bishop himself wants to come to us for the sake of the unity of the faith. So help should be given them, so that with the Lord’s help they may accomplish the good things they desire. And let your experience, in person if he is near at hand, or otherwise by letter, urge this same bishop to lose no time in hurrying, with the Lord’s favor, to the threshold of the apostles, assured that we will receive him with all affection. We also want you to pay him the cost of his journey, to enable him to come to us. But if he finds coming here a burden and arranges to live in Sicily, and agrees, giving his pledge, to remain in the unity of the church among the perverters of Scripture, do not delay to inform us of this too, so that, with the Lord’s help, we may arrange how his expenses there can be provided for. And lend your support and help as well for the bearers of these letters to reach their bishop, so that after leaving us they may find no less care. [b]