Gregory, who was then in Perugia with all the cardinals and other prelates of the Church, began to discuss with them the issue of his canonization. All of them, with one accord, gave the same opinion. They read and approved the miracles which the Lord had worked through his servant, and extolled the life and behavior of the blessed father with the highest praises.

The princes of the earth were called first to this great solemnity, and on the appointed day a great number of prelates along with an infinite multitude of people entered with the blessed Pope into the city of Assisi, for it was there that the canonization was to be held, for greater reverence of the saint.

And so, when all had come to the place which had been prepared for such a solemn gathering, Pope Gregory preached first to all the people ^{Heb 9:19} and announced with honey-flowing affection the wonderful works of God. He also praised the holy father Francis with the most noble sermon, and as he spoke of the purity of his way of life he was wet with tears. Then, when his sermon was over, Pope Gregory lifted his ^{2 Mc 3:20} hands to heaven and cried out with a loud voice . . .^a

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