Letter 2055

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Unknown|gregory great

Gregory to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse [Gregory's trusted vicar in Sicily].

Now that canonical discipline has been imposed upon the former bishop Agatho [bishop of Lipari], in proportion to the severity of his offenses, it is necessary, out of basic humanity, to arrange for how he may be sustained. Therefore, let your fraternity send someone to the church of Lipari [Aeolian Islands, off Sicily], where the aforesaid Agatho held the office of priest, and from its resources transmit to him for the present fifty solidi [gold coins], which may provide for his sustenance. For it would be excessively cruel if, after his punishment, he should also suffer want of the necessities of life.

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