Pope Gregory I and Judaism

Pope Gregory I (c.540–604), also known as Gregory the Great, was influential in the formation of Catholic doctrine in relation to the Jews. Based on the theological theories of Paul and Augustine of Hippo, but also existing Roman law, his letters set out the protections and toleration for Jews to exist in a Christian society. Although his sermons portrayed Jews as blind and obstinate, in his twenty letters regarding the Jews, he insisted that they be granted the right to practice their religion and enjoy their legal rights under Roman law, while forbidding forced baptisms. His letter Sicut Judaeis became the basis for later papal protection letters for Jews during the Middle Ages.