Pope St. Gregory I ('The Great') was born circa 540 to a noble and wealthy Roman family, with the birth name of Gregorius. After enjoying the monastic lifestyle, which he possessed a deep respect for, Gregory was elected pope in 590, though he mourned the loss of the happiness he had enjoyed as a monk. During his term of papacy he was instrumental in various liturgical reforms, and also authored such works as The Life of St. Benedict, Dialogues, Commentary on Job, and The Rule for Pastors. Pope Gregory the Great died on the twelfth of March, 604.