Born into a family of wealth and piety, Gregory studied law and worked in government service, becoming Prefect of Rome. After his fathers death, Gregory changed careers, devoting the rest of his life to God. He established six monasteries on the family estate in Sicily, and converted the family home in Rome to a monastery under the patronage of St. Andrew. His mother, Silvia (Saint Silvia) retired there.

After being ordained a deacon by Pope Pelagius II, and six years in Constantinople as an ambassador to the Byzantine court, Gregory returned to Rome. His position in the church was elevated, and when Pelagius II died in 590, Gregory was elected Pope. His influences on the doctrines of the Catholic Church were substantial, and include liturgical reform, his attachment to Gregorian chants, and most notably Liber pastoralis curae, a book of rules for Bishops. Pope Gregory died in 604, and was immediately canonized. He is honored as a Doctor of the Church for his contributions.

Links:

The Book of Pastoral Rule