Pope Gregory the Great → Castorius, of Ariminum
Tradução moderna em inglês
Gregory to Castorius, Notary.
The more I trust you and assign you to handle cases as they arise, the more energy and care I expect you to show.
Here is the procedure for Maximus of Salona: if he takes an oath affirming that he is not guilty of simoniacal heresy [buying or selling church offices], and if, when questioned before the body of Saint Apollinaris, he declares his innocence on the other charges, and if he has done penance as I directed for his disobedience -- then, to console him, deliver the letter I have written restoring him to our favor and communion. It is right to be severe with those who persist in defiance, but equally right to extend pardon to those who humble themselves and repent.
Regarding our brother Sabinianus, Bishop of Jadera [Zadar], and Honoratus, Archdeacon of Salona, and others who appealed to the Apostolic See -- Maximus must be firmly instructed to receive them back with proper charity. He must not hold any grudge against them, but live with them in genuine goodwill and sincere affection.
Texto inglês de origem
Book IX, Letter 80 To Castorius, Notary . Gregory to Castorius, etc. The more you see yourself to be trusted by us, and charged with the conduct of cases when need arises, the more ought you to show yourself energetic and solicitous. Accordingly, if Maximus of Salona, having taken oath, shall affirm that he is not guilty of simoniacal heresy, and, as to other matters, when merely questioned before the body of Saint Apollinaris, shall reply that he is innocent, and shall have done penance, as we have directed, for his disobedience, we desire that, to console him, your Experience should give him the letter which we have written to him , wherein we have signified that we have restored to him both our favour and communion. For, as it befits us to be severe to those who persist in contumacy, so to those who are again humbled and penitent we ought not to deny a place of pardon. Furthermore, as to our brother Sabinianus, bishop of Jadera , and Honoratus , archdeacon of Salona, or others who have had recourse to the Apostolical See, Maximus must be very earnestly dealt with, so that he may receive them with becoming charity, and in no way retain in his heart any grudge against them, but live with them with pure goodwill and sincere affection.