Pope Benedict XVI in English - Weekly General Audience
Dear Brothers and Sisters, In today’s catechesis we turn to Pope Saint Gregory
the Great, who governed the Church of Rome at the end of the sixth century and is
venerated as a Doctor of the Church. Born of a noble Roman family, Gregory entered
the civil service, in which he rose to the dignity of Prefect of the City, and then
embraced the monastic life. Gregory’s learning and experience, and his outstanding
personal gifts, led to his appointment as the papal representative to the imperial
court in Constantinople, and then as the Pope’s secretary. In the year 590, Gregory
was elected Pope. His papal ministry was marked by tireless energy and a clear vision
of the grave problems facing civil society and the Church. Gregory made every effort
to contain the Lombard invasion, to provide for the evangelization of that people,
and to establish peace throughout Italy. In addition to his preaching, teaching and
pastoral activity, he also reorganized the management of the Church’s goods and ensured
a more effective administration of her charitable works. At a time of great social
instability, and despite his frequent ill health, Gregory proved an effective, prudent
and saintly pastor, whose life and teaching continue to inspire us today.* * * I offer
a warm greeting and prayerful good wishes to the participants in the Christian-Hindu
symposium being held these days in Castel Gandolfo. Upon all the English-speaking
pilgrims, especially those from England, Scotland, Sweden, Australia, Hong Kong, India,
Indonesia, Canada and the United States, I cordially invoke God’s blessings of joy
and peace.