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History
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Saint Gregory I (Saint Gregory the Great) (540 - 604) was born to a wealthy family in Rome in around 540. By the age of 30 he held Rome's highest civil office, prefect, and he was, from 579, ambassador at Constantinople. Gregory had also felt called to monasticism and converted his home into a convent. In around 586 he became an abbot, and he served as chief advisor to Pelagius II. When the latter died he was elected pope (590) despite his chronic illness. As pope Gregory is best known for his enforcement of papal supremacy and the strengthening of the temporal position of the pope. His defence of Rome during an attack by the Lombards demonstrated the ability of the papacy to defend itself without direct assistance from the emperor. Gregory also encouraged monasticism and insisted on clerical celibacy. He was the author of several works including 'Moralia', commentaries, and lives of saints, such as of St Benedict, which remained widely read throughout the Middle Ages. He died in 604.
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