Who was commissioned by Pope Damascus to write the Vulgate?

The Vulgate, which is the Latin translation of the Bible, was commissioned by Pope Damascus I in the late 4th century. Jerome was the scholar chosen for this significant task. His translation work aimed to unify existing Latin texts and correct errors that had accumulated over time, making the scriptures more accessible to the Latin-speaking population of the Church. Jerome was a highly educated theologian and linguist, and his understanding of Hebrew and Greek enabled him to produce a translation that was more accurate and reliable than those that preceded it. The Vulgate went on to become the Catholic Church's officially approved Bible and had a profound influence on the Western Christian tradition, emphasizing the importance of Jerome's contribution to biblical scholarship.

The other figures listed, while prominent in early Church history, were not involved in the commissioning of the Vulgate. Pelagius is known for his theological views that were later deemed heretical, Augustine of Hippo focused on a wide range of theological topics but did not translate the Bible, and Gregory the Great was a Pope known for his reforms and influence long after the Vulgate was completed. These distinctions highlight Jerome's unique role in this significant historical and religious undertaking.