Letter 12047

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Unknown|gregory great
From: Pope Gregory I
To: Venantius, Bishop of Perusia [Perugia]
Date: ~602 AD
Context: Gregory orders Venantius to send winter garments without delay to the bishop who is suffering from cold

Brother, I need you to act without delay on a matter of immediate pastoral necessity. The bishop referred to — who is suffering from cold because his winter garments are not adequate — needs what you can provide, and he needs it now, not eventually. Send him suitable clothing immediately. The physical welfare of a bishop in his charge falls within your pastoral responsibility when he is in your area and in need. Do not let a fellow bishop suffer from something so easily remedied.

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