Letter 6018: Moved by the benevolence of the Apostolic See and by the order of ancient custom, we have thought fit to grant to your Fraternity, who art known to have received the office of government in the Church of Syracuse, the use of the pallium; that is, at such times and in such manner as you know without doubt that it was used by your predecessor; nev...

Pope Gregory the GreatJohn of Jerusalem|c. 595 AD|gregory great
papal authority

Gregory to John, Bishop of Syracuse.

Moved by the goodwill of the Apostolic See and by long-established custom, I have decided to grant your Brotherhood -- who is now known to have received the office of leadership in the Church of Syracuse -- the use of the pallium, at such times and in such manner as it was used without question by your predecessor. I urge you: just as you take satisfaction in receiving from us this mark of honor for your priestly office, strive equally to adorn the office you have received by the uprightness of your character and your deeds, to our glory in Christ. You will be truly distinguished when the outward adornment of this vestment matches the inward excellence of your soul.

All privileges known to have been granted to your Church in the past I confirm by our authority and decree that they shall remain inviolate.

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

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