ABSTRACT
IN THE HISTORY of the medieval papacy it would be difficult to find a pontificate of greater historical significance than that of Gregory I. With every justification it can be said that by the end of the sixth century a train of events had been set in motion which had repercussions far beyond the medieval period; and for the development of the papacy as a governmental institution the period at the turn of the sixth and seventh centuries became one of crucial importance. Gregory I still belonged to the ancient imperial Roman world, but he also realized the inherent potentialities of the Germanic nations. He became instrumental in bursting the narrow confines within which the papacy had hitherto led its existence. It is a mere truism to say that Gregory I was one of the few historic personalities who had learnt a lesson from history, who in accordance with this lesson initiated action, and thereby attained achievements of world-wide significance.
