Born into a family of great wealth and influence in Rome, Gregory excelled in all his studies and became an expert in law. At only 33 years old, he became the Prefect of Rome, just as his father had been.
 
A few years later, Gregory's father had died and Gregory had the family villa in Rome converted into a Benedictine monastery. As a monk, Gregory was hard and strict. When a dying monk confessed to stealing three pieces of gold, Gregory ordered he be left to die alone. After the monk died, Gregory ordered his body be thrown on a dung heap along with the three coins. Then, in remorse, Gregory offered 30 Masses for the deceased monk.
 
After being ordained a priest, Gregory became one of the pope’s seven deacons and served six years in Constantinople as papal representative. When Pope Pelagius II died, Greogory was elected pope at the age of 50 and reluctantly accepted the position.
 
As pope, Gregory was direct and firm. He removed unworthy priests from office, forbade taking money for many services, emptied the papal treasury to ransom prisoners of the Lombards and to care for persecuted Jews and the victims of plague and famine. He was very concerned about the conversion of England, sending 40 monks from his own monastery. He is known for his reform of the liturgy, and for strengthening respect for doctrine.
 
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
 
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.