Quote from Letter 5,24 to Castor, notary. 10 February 595
The news of the death of our brother and fellow-bishop, John, has saddened us very greatly, especially as that city had at this time lost the consolation of pastoral care. Since, therefore, very many benefits demand that a priest should be ordained for the church itself without delay, and with Christ's authority, for that reason we command your Experience to be active in exhorting the clergy and people with all urgency not to put off electing a priest for themselves who should be consecrated. But we want you to advise them before all else not to attend to their private benefits in a general issue. Therefore, let there be no venality in this election, in case they lose their discretion in making a choice, while seeking bribes, and thank one suitable for this office as he pleased them not with his merits, but with his presents.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, translated by John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMPS, 2004), II, 339
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