Gregory to the clergy, order, and people dwelling at Misenum. Having learned that your Church is bereft of the governance of a bishop, it has been our care solemnly to delegate the visitation of that same Church to our brother and fellow-bishop Fortunatus. To him we have given in charge that he suffer nothing pertaining to the advancement of the clergy, to the revenues, to the ornaments, or to the ministries to be usurped by anyone. Him you ought to obey with unremitting exhortations, and, all clamour being removed, with one and the same accord to seek such a bishop to be set over you as may in no respect be at variance with the venerable canons, and may be found worthy of so great a ministry.
And when he has been asked for, let him come to us to be ordained, with the solemnity of a decree confirmed by the subscriptions of all, and accompanied by the document of the Visitor: providing before all else that you do not presume to elect a person of lay life or merit. And not only shall such a one in no wise be advanced to the summit of the episcopate, but know also that you yourselves can obtain no pardon by any intercessions; rather, know beyond doubt that all among you who shall be found to have aspired on behalf of a lay person are to be made strangers to their office and to communion.