A New Bishop

Letter 3,35 - to Peter, sub-deacon of Campania. May 593

"Thus their own bishop van, with God's authority, be consecrated for that church. For we do not allow it to be without its own bishop any longer. If perhaps they try to put off your recommendation in any way, then exercise ecclesiastical vigor against them. For whoever will not concur in this desire will provide evidence of his own perverseness.
But see that a hundred gold coins and one orphaned young boy of his choice are given to our aforesaid brother and fellow-bishop, Paul in return for his hard work over the same church.
Advise those, however, who will come here on behalf of all, for the election of a bishop, to bring with them all the vestments of the bishop mentioned above, and whatever silver they shall anticipate as necessary, so that the bishop who has been consecrated can have it for his own use. However, be quick to implement all of these things vigorously and strictly, and send over here with all speed those elected from your clergy, as we have said. Thus, as various noblemen from the city of Naples are present here, we can both discuss together with them and deliberate about the bishop's ordination, with the assistance of the Lord."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 258.