Gregory served as prefect of Rome, one of the city's highest civil offices, before giving away his considerable wealth and converting his family home into a monastery to live as a monk. Drawn back into public service, he served as a papal envoy to Constantinople before being elected pope in 590, a role he reportedly accepted with great reluctance.
As pope, Gregory governed during a time of famine, plague, and barbarian invasion, personally organizing food distribution and civil administration for Rome when imperial authority had effectively collapsed in the West. He reformed and organized the liturgy and sacred chant that still bears his name, wrote extensively on pastoral care, and sent a mission of monks under Augustine of Canterbury to evangelize England. He is remembered as one of only two popes given the title 'the Great.'
Feast · September 3
Pope Saint Gregory the Great
Pope and Doctor of the Church
A former Roman civil official turned monk who became pope during a period of crisis, reformed the liturgy, and sent missionaries to convert England.
- Born
- 540
- Died
- 604
- Birthplace
- Rome, Italy
- Died in
- Rome, Italy
- Country
- Italy
- Century
- 6th century
Categories
Why People Pray to Pope Saint Gregory the Great
Pope Saint Gregory the Great is invoked by those in positions of leadership and by anyone who must serve others amid crisis and hardship.
