Medieval Europe

Gregory I and Rome

Although Gregory was strictly speaking only the Bishop of Rome, he became in fact the ruler of the city. His noble background and his public career gave him an interest in administrative matters and there was much to tend to.

Gregory used the resources of the Church to buttress the failing city. He organized the church lands in southern Italy to feed the people of Rome. He himself took a hand in their administration, setting prices and choosing markets. He used income from the estates to ransom prisoners from the barbarians and to endow churches, hospitals and schools.

He actively intervened in the affairs of other bishops, settling disputes, and further elevated the status of the Church of Rome above that of other cities.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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