Letter 2.22 to Bishop Benenatus of Misenum (March 592)
Gregory to Benenatus, bishop visiting Cumae
Since it is known that Liberius, once bishop of the church of Cumae, has departed from this life, for that reason we solemnly delegate to your Fraternity the task of visiting his destitute church. It is appropriate for you to carry out this task in such a way that nothing about promotions of clergy, about revenue, about ornaments and holy vessels, or anything whatsoever, should be assumed by anyone of that church. And for that reason your Beloved will hurry to go to the aforesaid church, and we want you to advise the clergy and people of the same church with continual exhortations that they should put aside partisanship, and with one and the same consensus, seek out a priest to be appointed over them. He must be found both worthy of such an important ministry, and must in no way be rejected by venerable Church canons. At such a time as he should be accepted, let him come to us to be consecrated, with the solemnity of a decree corroborated by the subscriptions of all of the clergy, and by the testimony of your Beloved's letter.
We warn your Fraternity also that you should not permit anyone to be elected from another church, unless perhaps no one can be found from among the clergy of that same city, in which you fulfill the office of visitor, who is worthy of bishopric, which we believe unlikely. You will take care before all else that they do not presume to support the merit of a layman, whatever his way of life, or you too must face the danger for your position, Heaven forbid!
(trans. Martyn 2004: 206-207)