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Also known as: Gregory
the Younger; Gregory Junior
Memorial: 28 February
Profile
Involved in Church affairs from an early age. Pope Saint Sergius I
ordained Gregory a sub-deacon. He served the next four popes as treasurer
of the Church, then librarian. Assigned important missions. Accompanied
Pope Constantine to Constantinople for discussions with Emperor Justinian
II.
Pope in 715. Held synods to correct abuses, stopped heresy and promoted
discipline and morality in religious and clerical life. Rebuilt a great
portion of the walls of Rome to protect the city against the Lombards.
Restored churches, cared for the sick and aged, reestablished monasteries
and abbeys. Consecrated Saint Boniface and Saint Corbinian as missionary
bishops to the tribes in Germany. England pilgrims increased to the point
that they required a church, cemetery, and school of their own.
In his dealings with Emperor Leo III, Gregory's showed strength and
patience. Leo demanded destruction of holy images. When bishops failed to
convince him of his error, they disobeyed and appealed to the pope.
Gregory tried to change the emperor's thinking, counseled the people to
maintain allegiance to the prince, and encouraged the bishops to oppose
the heresy. It appears he won out.
Born: at Rome, Italy
Papal Ascension: 19 May 715
Died: early February 731 at Rome
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