- For the general phrase concerning responsibilities of the clergy, see Pastoral care.
Liber Regulae Pastoralis or
Regula Pastoralis (
The Book of the Pastoral Rule, commonly known in English as
Pastoral Care, a translation of the alternative
Latin title
Cura Pastoralis) is a treatise on the responsibilities of the
clergy written by
Pope Gregory I around the year 590, shortly after his
papal inauguration. It became one of the most influential works on the topic ever written. The title was that used by Gregory when sending a copy to his friend
Leander of Seville. The text was addressed to John, the
bishop of Ravenna, as a response to a query from him. Gregory later revised the text somewhat.