You Choose, I Choose Better

Letter 1,56 - to Duke Arsicinus, the clergy, the senate and the people of Rimini. July 591

"We advise your Charity with this present letter that nobody ought to tire himself out before us over the person of Ocleantinus [a bishop-elect]. But if someone is found in that same city capable of this office [of bishop], to the extent that we could no fault in him, let your election follow accordingly. However, it nobody is found worthy of this office, we have told the bearer of this letter about the person upon whom equally you should bestow your decision.
But you must pray unanimously and faithfully that whoever is consecrated bishop, can both become useful to you and can show a priestly service worthy of our God."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.