Vacancy of the Bishopric

Letter 3,15 - to Scholasticus, governor of Campania. December 592

"And for that reason we greet you, and exhort your Greatness to convoke the leaders and people of the city, to think about the election of another man, who could be worthy of promotion to the bishopric, with the comfort of Christ. Make this decree solemnly and send it over to this city, and let the ordination take place there finally, with the help of Christ.
But if however you do not find a suitable person about whom you can agree, at least select three upright and wise men, and send them to this city on behalf of the general community, ensuring that all the people agree in the choice of these men. Perhaps coming here, preserved by God's pity, they will find a suitable person to be consecrated as your bishop, without any blame."


Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 246.