Who he was
Gregory was born into a wealthy Roman family; his mother St Silvia and two aunts are honoured as saints. He became prefect of the city about 573, then gave up his wealth, founded monasteries and became a monk in his own house on the Caelian Hill. He served as a deacon and as papal envoy at Constantinople, and was elected pope in 590 during plague and flood, much against his will.
What he is remembered for
He is a Doctor of the Church and one of the most influential popes. He fed Rome's refugees from the Church's estates, dealt with the Lombards when no help came from the emperor, and sent St Augustine and a band of monks to convert the English. His Pastoral Care became the handbook for bishops for centuries, and his Dialogues and Morals on Job were widely read; Gregorian chant and the Gregorian Sacramentary bear his name by tradition.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints