Pope Saint Gregory I, also known as the Great, was the Pope of the Catholic church between 590 - 604 AD.
He was born in Roma. Many ancient Roman families still commanded great wealth and influence in the city. He was born into one such family. His great - great - grandfather was Pope Felix III who reigned from 483 - 492 AD
His father, Gordianus was a senator and a prefect of Rome and held a position in the church. His mother was Silvia, also from a noble family. Silvia's sister, Pateria are both recognized as saints in the Catholic church.
When he was 2 years old, there was sickness that wiped out a third of population in Italy.
He was well educated and excelled in all his studies. He also became an expert in law. He excelled so much he became the Prefect of Rome, just as his father had been. He was only 33 years old.
After his dad died, he had the family villa in Rome converted into a monastery.
As a monk, he was hard and strict. When a monk on his deathbed confessed to stealing three pieces of gold, Gregory ordered he be left to die alone. After the poor monk had died, Gregory ordered his body thrown on a dung heap along with the three coins. Then, in a turn of heart, he offered 30 masses for the deceased monk.
Pope Pelagius II chose Gregory to serve as an ambassador to the imperial court in Constantinople.
He was ordered to request military aid from the Emperor but he refused Gregory's request.
When Pope Pelagius II died, Gregory was proclaimed pope by acclamation. This was not something he wanted but he accepted the burden nevertheless.
He made clear he preferred the monastic life in a series of writings praising it. He also referred to himself as a servant of God. The habit remains in practice to this day and many clergy still refer to themselves as servants.
He was famous for the emphasis he put on missionary work. He sent many people out to bring many life to Jesus and the Church.
He made many changes to the Mass, some of which remain today, the position of Our Father in the Mass remains where He placed it.
He also established "Cantus Planus" known as plainchant. Most today know this style of singing as Gregorian Chant. The melody, monophonic music is known throughout the Church and closely associated with medieval monasteries. This is the oldest music we still have in the original form.
He was well known for his alms to the poor. He made clear to his subordinates that their duty was to relieve the distress faced by the poor.
He ordered his clergy to go out into the streets to find and care for the poor in person.
When a famine struct Rome, he ordered the church to use its assets to feed the poor and saved thousands of people from certain death.
He also made certain to dine with a dozen poor people at each meal.
He is widely considered to be the first medieval pope and was a prolific writer.
From the time of Gregory onwards, people looked to the Church for government rather than distant and indifferent emperors in Constantinople.
He is the patron saint of musicians, singers, students and teachers.
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