What Is Pope Gregory's Legacy

It began with noble intentions, though the intentions would be weighed down with a call of duty he was not prepared for. A boy who was more inclined to write poetry and create beautiful things would grow into a man with the same creative aspirations. That boy would one day be known as Pope Gregory I and he had decided early that he would forego the expectations of a politically-driven family that assumed he would become an important public figure. He chose a life of service to the people. The man who would become Pope was as surprised as anyone else when he learned he’d been elected. It’s what happened years into the papacy that would eventually become his legacy.
As a young man, Gregory reflected on the famine, desperation, and tragedy that are byproducts of war. In fact, the first many years of his life were lived in a war zone. He saw his influential family try to help, though they were rarely successful. “All of this wealth and influence, yet it matters none when it comes to feeding the hungry,” he thought to himself. He often felt angry. He knew the politics that operated in the shadows and he knew the results of ulterior motives. When asked by his father to take his place in Roman politics, he declined. It was around that time that he announced to his parents that he’d be taking a life of poverty. They thought he was misguided, and perhaps a bit whimsical, but that was nothing compared to what happened next. Gregory not only rejected his political expectations, he also liquidated his wealth. He sold his estates, confident that he would be able to build monasteries, “I know I can make a difference,” he thought to himself. His parents were in shock because they worshiped the material things and gained their riches on the misery of others. “We have worked diligently as have generations before us. You have wasted your chance for an easy path. You might have at least considered future generations,” his father roared when he learned of his son’s most recent actions. Sure, they were active in the Church, but no family member was as diligent as Gregorius, which was his given name and further, from that point on, Gregory saw his family in a different and slightly unappealing light. When confronted by his father, Gregory reminded him that an active man of faith could only strengthen the family’s image. “O Father, we have so many who live without a home with no hope for even a job. Does thou wish to allow such injustice?” His father, who was a senator, paused for a moment before realizing his son had made his choice and in that moment, he decided to give Gregory his blessing. He reminded his son, “Thou shall be days with an absence of food, not even a single apple to be found. If this son of mine is determined, I pray he does not waste his time and will work in earnest.” Gregory knew he had been successful in earning his father’s blessing and wasted no time settling into his new role as a monk. Pope Gregory’s letters to his family were difficult. …show more content…
His father often wanted to tell his son to gloss over any troubles he had when writing to his mother as she worried deeply for his health and wellbeing. Instead, his father stayed silent and allowed his son to write what his heart desired. Soon, though, there would be good changes, at least as far as his parents were concerned. The year was 579 and Pope Pelagius II announced he had named Gregory as a deacon. This was an honorable advance, though it meant Gregory would have to abandon his simpler life. He petitioned the Pope and reminded him of the value he brought to the faithful in his current role. It mattered none, the Pope wrote. God had called upon Gregory and he must answer that call. Gregory accepted the honor, and though he was gracious, he was not happy, “At least I will still be able to serve the less fortunate,” he reasoned with himself. He was on the verge of expanding the reach of that service yet again. Pope Pelagius II became a victim to the plague that was sweeping Italy during 590. Gregory’s mother secretly