Careful Investigation

Letter 3,38 - to all the bishops of Corinth. May 593

"But since we do not allow those comments to remain not discussed, we have directed a deacon of our see to investigate them. For the nature of the wrongdoing reported to us strongly compels us not to cover up at all what we have heard. Especially when you indicated that the accusers and the accused have come to terms, we have to examine this more carefully, in case their agreement has perhaps been bought. And if it is established (Heaven forbid!) that is resulted not from love but from a payment, this must be punished with a greater correction. For we hasten to remove preceding evils, and we for no reason dismiss a fault recently committed, without punishment."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 260.

Protecting Bishop Leo

Letter 2,29 - to the praetor Justin, about protecting bishop Leo. july 592.

"The envy of the ancient enemy has this special quality. Those whom it cannot trick into the perpetration of evil acts, because God resists it, it destroys their reputations for the present by pretending false things.
Since therefore a wicked rumor has spread concerning out brother and fellow-bishop Leo, certain things contrary to the priestly way of life, we set up an inquiry with a long and strict examination to see whether they were true, and we found no fault in him concerning what had been said about him.
But so that nothing might appear to have been omitted, and so that no doubt remain in our heart, we made him swear many a solemn oath before the most holy body of Saint Peter.
After the performance of this, we rejoiced with great exultation, because in this way his innocence shone out most clearly."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 210.