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 …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