Setting up Gmail - computer keeps sending me to Safari to login, then doesn't succesfully finish setting up the account

Hello, as of March 26 or 27, my work gmail stopped working only on the Apple mail application. I finally deleted the account to reestablish it. Instead of allowing me to enter the id and pw in the set up fields, the mail app sends me to Safari (which I don't normally use) to login. I do so, and then am returned to the mail app where my only option is to cancel the process.

Tried this many times. Turned on and off computer, mail app, etc.

Suggestions?