St. Gregory the Great: The Pope Who Defined an Era

•Pope and Doctor 
•Feast day: September 3 
•540-604 

St. Gregory the Great, one of the most influential Popes in the history of the Church, was born in Rome around 540 AD into a prominent patrician family. His father, Gordianus, was a wealthy senator, and his mother, Silvia, would later be canonized a saint. Gregory was deeply influenced by his family’s devout Christian faith and strong moral principles. His early life was marked by a robust education in law and public service, leading to his appointment as Prefect of Rome at the age of 33, a role equivalent to that of a modern-day mayor. Despite his success, Gregory was drawn to the monastic life, and after his father’s death, he used his wealth to found several monasteries, including one dedicated to St. Andrew on his family estate in Rome.

From Monk to Pope

Gregory’s transition from public life to monasticism was profound. He embraced the Benedictine Rule, which emphasized prayer, manual labor, and communal living. However, his retreat from public life was short-lived. In 579, Pope Pelagius II appointed him as a deacon and sent him as an apocrisiarius (papal nuncio) to the Byzantine court in Constantinople. This diplomatic mission allowed Gregory to cultivate relationships with the Eastern Church and the Byzantine Emperor, experiences that would later shape his papacy.

In 590, when a plague devastated Rome and claimed the life of Pope Pelagius II, Gregory was elected Pope by popular acclamation. Reluctant to take on the role, he attempted to flee the city but was ultimately brought to St. Peter’s Basilica, where he was consecrated Pope. His election marked the beginning of a transformative papacy that would leave an indelible mark on the Church and the world.

A Pope for the People

Gregory’s papacy was defined by his tireless efforts to care for the poor, protect the people of Rome from barbarian invasions, and reform the Church. He used the Church’s wealth not for personal gain but to ransom captives, feed the hungry, and support the needy. Under his leadership, the papacy assumed a more direct role in governing Rome, effectively filling the power vacuum left by the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.

One of Gregory’s most significant contributions was his reformation of the liturgy. He introduced the so-called Gregorian Chant, a style of plainchant that became the standard for the Church’s liturgical music. Gregorian Chant is still used in the liturgy today, a testament to his lasting influence on Church worship.

Evangelizing England and Beyond

Gregory’s vision extended beyond the borders of Italy. He was deeply committed to spreading Christianity throughout Europe, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. In 596, he sent a mission led by St. Augustine of Canterbury to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons. This mission laid the foundation for the Christianization of England and solidified Gregory’s reputation as a missionary Pope.

The Humble Servant of God

Despite his immense influence and power, Gregory remained humble, referring to himself as Servus Servorum Dei—”Servant of the Servants of God.” This title, which emphasized the Pope’s role as a servant leader, has been adopted by his successors and remains a defining aspect of the papacy.

One of the most iconic episodes of Gregory’s papacy was the vision of the Archangel Michael during a penitential procession. As Rome was ravaged by plague, Gregory led a procession to pray for divine intervention. It is said that as they approached Hadrian’s Mausoleum, the Archangel Michael appeared, sheathing his sword as a sign that the plague was ending. In gratitude, the mausoleum was renamed Castel Sant’Angelo, and a bronze statue of the archangel was placed atop it.

The Legacy of Gregorian Masses

Another important tradition associated with Gregory is the Thirty Gregorian Masses. This practice began after the death of one of Gregory’s monks, Justus, who had secretly kept three gold crowns. Gregory ordered 30 consecutive Masses to be offered for Justus’s soul, and after the completion of the Masses, Justus appeared in a vision, declaring that he had been freed from purgatory. This tradition continues in the Church today, with the faithful offering 30 Masses for the repose of souls.

Death and Canonization

Gregory’s health declined in the final years of his papacy, and he died on March 12, 604. His passing was met with widespread mourning, and he was immediately canonized by popular acclaim. Gregory is one of only two Popes in history to be honored with the title The Great, a testament to his lasting impact on the Church and the world.

St. Gregory the Great’s life and papacy were marked by great spiritual leadership, practical governance, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the people. His contributions to the Church’s liturgy, his role in the Christianization of Europe, and his humility in leadership have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire the faithful to this day.