Contra Vitia Quotes by Pope Gregory I

He who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exemplify the…

— Pope Gregory I

I despise the proper constructions and cases, because I think it very unfitting that the words of the celestial oracle should be restricted by…

— Pope Gregory I

The universe is not rich enough to buy the vote of an honest man.

— Pope Gregory I

If we are, in fact, now occupied in good deeds, we should not attribute the strength with which we are doing them to ourselves.…

— Pope Gregory I

Now if the wearing of fine and precious robes were not a fault, word of God would never have so carefully expressed this. For…

— Pope Gregory I

“He must, therefore, be the model for everyone. He must be devoted entirely to the example of good living. He must be dead to…

— Pope Gregory I

“Necessity demands that one should carefully examine who it is that comes to the position of spiritual authority; and coming solemnly to this point,…

— Pope Gregory I

“Pope Gregory believed that successful pastoral leadership required a balance between the contemplation of the isolated ascetic and the action of the well-trained administrator.”

— Pope Gregory I

What do they not see, who see Him Who sees all things?

— Pope Gregory I

There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of…

— Pope Gregory I

“For it is no doubt impossible to eradicate everything at once from their obstinate minds, because he who endeavours to reach the highest place…

— Pope Gregory I

“The spiritual director should not reduce his attention to the internal life because of external occupations, nor should he relinquish his care for external…

— Pope Gregory I