Day 97 -- Pope Saint Gregory III

Not much is know about the early life of Pope Gregory III. He was the last pope, to date, who was born outside of Europe. He was born in Syria and died on November 28, 741. He was elected the 90th pope by popular demand in 731. He was noted for his learning and virtue, and was known for quoting Scripture often. He called a synod that same year to condemn iconoclasm. Pope Gregory supported the missions of Saint Boniface in Germany.

"Do not shrink, beloved brother, from difficult and protracted journeys in the service of the Christian faith, for it is written that small is the gate and narrow the road that leads on to life."