In 595, Gregory was angered by Sabinian's lack of resolution in discussion with Emperor Maurice about the disputed assumption of the title "ecumenical patriarch" by John IV of Constantinople.
[2] Sabinian was elected to succeed Gregory probably in March 604, but had to wait for imperial ratification before being consecrated in September.
[2][1] Sabinian incurred unpopularity by his unseasonable economies,[3] although the Liber pontificalis states that he distributed grain during a famine at Rome under his pontificate.
Whereas Gregory distributed grain to the Roman populace as invasion loomed, when the danger had passed Sabinian sold it to them.
Because he was unable or unwilling to allow the people to have the grain for little or nothing, there grew up in later times a number of legends in which his predecessor was represented punishing him for avarice.