Monastic choral singing, particularly as practiced by…

Monastic choral singing, particularly as practiced by the Benedictines, evolves into plainsong, a metrically free, monophonic setting of liturgical text, passed down orally from generation to generation.

“Gregorian” chant develops from the liturgical reforms of Pope Gregory, a promoter and collector of such music, and soon becomes the dominant form of plainsong.

Gregory, an able administrator, has governed the western church gently but firmly, strengthening the papal office by affirming his supremacy in the church and by asserting the right of the papacy to intervene in secular affairs.

He also institutes the papal practice of appointing the governors of Italian cities.

His thought strongly influenced by Saint Augustine, Gregory writes several theological, liturgical, and devotional works, including a biography of Saint Benedict.

Gregory reforms the liturgy, the clergy and church practices.

At his death on March 12, 604, he is succeeded by Sabinian, who reigns for two years and is succeeded by Boniface III, who reigns only through 607.

Boniface IV succeeds him in 608 and reigns until his death in 615; Deusdedit succeeds him as Pope Adeodatus I.

Rome’s ancient Pantheon is converted, in 609, into a church dedicated to Mary.

As the Santa Maria Rotunda, it retains its marble revetments, mosaics, and stuccowork, as well as its huge bronze doors.