Letter 5.16 to Bishop John of Prima Justiniana (November 594)
Gregorius to John, bishop of Prima Justiniana
Gregory sents a pallium to the newly elected bishop of Prima Iustiniana. He appends some advice on various episcopal matters.
Among these matters, let that concern for deliberation constrain you most of all, so that you never try to have illegal ordinations. But rather, if it happens that some are being promoted to the rank of cleric, or perhaps to a higher grade, let them be consecrated due to their merits, not due to bribes or requests. In no ordinations should they extract any advantages from your Fraternity, in any way at all, in case, Heaven forbid!, you are entangled in the snares of heretical simony.
Gregory was also reluctant to accept gifts John had sent him through his envoys, until he was assured that there are meant not for the pope, but for Saint Peter himself.
(trans. Martyn 2004: 333, 334, summarised by J. Szafranowski)