Who he was
Gregory was a Roman, son of Marcellus and Honesta, raised in the papal choir school. He served as almoner and the first papal librarian known by name, and as a deacon went with Pope Constantine to Constantinople, where he answered the emperor's objections. He was elected in May 715.
What he is remembered for
He sent St Boniface to preach to the peoples of Germany, consecrated him bishop in 722 and supported him throughout, and helped restore the abbey of Monte Cassino. He repaired the walls of Rome against the Lombards and Saracens, and when the Emperor Leo III issued his decrees against holy images he resisted them while remaining loyal to the emperor. He is often counted the greatest pope of the eighth century.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints