Papacy of Pope Gregory the Great begins 590

walwyn mar, 03/26/2013 - 21:23
mardi, September 30, 0025

Following the death of Pope Pelagius II, on the 3rd of September 590 the abbot of St Andrea in Rome was elected Pope Gregory I. Due to his writings such as the 'Commentary on Job', and 'The Dialogues of Gregory I' which is considered to be his major work. he was a declared Doctor of the Church.

Born into a wealthy Roman family, he initially pursued a political career and became the prefect of Rome. Later, he embraced a monastic life, founding monasteries and living as a monk before being called to serve the Church more directly. in 579 he was ordained as a deacon, and sent to Constantinople as the papal ambassado. Returning in 586 to resumes a monastic life.

During his papacy he lead Rome through famine, plague, and the Lombard invasions.  He also sent Augustine of Canterbury, with 40 monks, to evangelize Anglo-Saxons.  Strengthens papal authority over bishops and church administration, and oversees charitable distribution of Church resources to the poor. He is also associated with the standardization of chant (later called “Gregorian chant”), though this was developed after his time.