To Fantinus, Defensor of Palermo, on Bishop Exhilaratus

Gregory to Fantinus, and so on. [a]

As you yourself also know, such things have reached our ears about our brother and fellow bishop Exhilaratus as ought by all means to be visited with severe punishment. But since the matter has been smoothed over by our most reverend brother and fellow bishop Leo, who has also declared that he was the judge in that case, we have thought it right to send Exhilaratus back to his church, considering that what we have laid on him by keeping him here so long may be enough for him. We therefore instruct your experience to watch his conduct and his deeds, and to warn him often, so that he may show himself eager to extend kindly love to his clergy and, when need requires, to correct their faults. But we want you also to warn his clergy to show humility toward him and the obedience the Lord commands, and not to presume in any respect to behave proudly toward him. And if any one of them, whether bishop or cleric, disregards your warning, then, under this authority from us, either correct the sin of disobedience by the discipline the canons provide, as you see fit, or hurry to send a report to us, so that we may be able to arrange how the rein of discipline may keep from leaving their road those whom the goad of evil inclination drives to wrongdoing. [b]