Western Civilization

The Development of the Papacy - Page 9 of 14

Gregory and the Church

Gregory is counted one of the Church Fathers, along with Jerome, Augustine and Ambrose. He earned this not only for the activities already cited, but also for his writings.

One of the most influential of these was his Book of Pastoral Care, a handbook of common-sense instructions to preachers and bishops. It was one of the first books ever written in English (was translated from Latin original) and was widely read throughout Middle Ages.

Gregory also wrote music. He is the creator of the Gregorian chant.

Gregory set the Church of Rome firmly on the path to temporal power; he was the real founder of the medieval papacy. Given how the world was falling apart, he was a truly inspiring leader, no least because he did not despair.