Letter 1059

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Unknown|gregory great
From: Gregory the Great, Pope, in Rome
To: Anthemius, subdeacon
Date: ~591 AD
Context: Gregory orders Anthemius to pay thirty solidi annually to a woman named Palatina for her support.

Gregory to Anthemius, subdeacon.

You are to pay to Palatina thirty solidi [gold coins] per year for her sustenance. This payment is to be made regularly and without fail. If she has dependents or particular needs beyond ordinary subsistence, bring this to my attention so that I can consider whether additional provision is appropriate.

The care of those who have no other resources is a primary obligation of the church, and I will not have our administrative procedures become an excuse for neglecting individuals who are counting on us. Make sure the payments are timely, and note in your records who receives them and when.

Gregory

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.