Pope St. Gregory the Great joyfully began his religious life around the year 575 as a Benedictine monk. So, when he was elected pope, Gregory was hesitant to take the office but resolute in following God’s will. As pope, Gregory strengthened core elements of the Faith like liturgy and doctrine while prioritizing service and outreach. He ransomed prisoners, protected persecuted Jews, sent preachers to England, and cared for victims of the plague. Today, Gregory is considered a “doctor of the Church.”