Adeodatus II
Pope Adeodatus II served as the bishop of Rome from 672 to 676. His pontificate, though obscure, was marked by efforts to improve churches and combat Monothelitism. He rejected synodical letters from the Patriarch of Constantinople, leading to his exclusion from diptychs there, and was active in monastic discipline.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Rome in 621 AD, son of Jovinianus.
- ›Became a Benedictine monk at Sant'Erasmo al Celio.
- ›Elected Pope on April 11, 672, succeeding Vitalian.
- ›His election was ratified by the exarch of Ravenna.
- ›His papacy coincided with interest in Pope Martin I and Maximus the Confessor.
- ›Died on June 17, 676, and was succeeded by Donus.
Deodatus
Monothelitism, Monastic Discipline
- Rejected Synodical Letters From the Patriarch of Constantinople
- Improved Monastic Discipline
- Repressed Monothelitism
- Gave Venice the Right To Choose Its Doge
- Oversaw the Construction of the Basilica of St. Peter At the Eighth Milestone of the Via Portuensis
- Reconstructed St. Erasmus
Vitalian, Constantine I of Constantinople, Jovinianus, Monothelitism, Byzantine Papacy, Exarch of Ravenna, Patriarch of Constantinople, Venice, Basilica of St. Peter, Via Portuensis, St. Erasmus, Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, Marmoutier Abbey, Abbey of St. Martin of Tours, Donus
About Adeodatus II
Pope Adeodatus II
Pope Adeodatus II, sometimes known as Deodatus, was the bishop of Rome from 672 until his death on June 17, 676. Born in Rome around 621 AD, he was the son of Jovinianus and became a Benedictine monk at the monastery of Sant'Erasmo al Celio.
Pontificate and Actions
Adeodatus II's papacy is characterized by its relative obscurity, but it was marked by significant efforts in church improvement and theological contention. He devoted considerable energy to restoring churches in disrepair and enhancing monastic discipline. A key aspect of his pontificate was his strong opposition to Monothelitism, a Christological doctrine that was supported by the Eastern Roman emperors. In a significant move, Adeodatus II rejected the synodical letters sent to him by Patriarch Constantine I of Constantinople, a decision that resulted in his name being excluded from the diptychs in Constantinople.
During his reign, he granted Venice the right to elect its own doge. Notable construction projects included the Basilica of St. Peter at the eighth milestone of the Via Portuensis and the reconstruction of St. Erasmus. He also protected the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul and exempted Marmoutier Abbey in Tours from the authority of the Holy See.
Legacy
While Adeodatus II is sometimes referred to as a saint and June 26 is cited as his feast day, this status is disputed, and he does not appear in the latest official edition of the Roman Martyrology. His papacy did not seem to make outstanding contributions to civil society but was focused on ecclesiastical matters and theological defense. He died in 676 and was succeeded by Donus.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Adeodatus II's papacy?
Pope Adeodatus II served as the bishop of Rome from 672 until his death on June 17, 676. His pontificate lasted for approximately four years.
What were Pope Adeodatus II's main concerns during his papacy?
Adeodatus II devoted much of his time to improving churches that were in disrepair. He was also actively involved in combating the theological doctrine of Monothelitism.
Was Pope Adeodatus II a monk?
Yes, Adeodatus II was a Benedictine monk at the monastery of Sant'Erasmo al Celio in Rome before his election as Pope. His monastic background likely influenced his focus on monastic discipline.
What was Adeodatus II's stance on Monothelitism?
Pope Adeodatus II actively worked to repress Monothelitism during his pontificate. He famously rejected the synodical letters sent to him by Patriarch Constantine I of Constantinople, which led to his name being excluded from the diptychs in Constantinople.
What notable buildings or renovations were associated with Adeodatus II?
During his reign, the Basilica of St. Peter was built at the eighth milestone of the Via Portuensis. He also oversaw the reconstruction of St. Erasmus and led improvements to St. Erasmus' monastery.
Related Popes
Theodore I
Pope Theodore I, bishop of Rome from 642 to 649, was a Greek from Jerusalem whose pontificate was dominated by the struggle against Monothelitism. He actively opposed the Ecthesis of Heraclius and refused recognition to the patriarch of Constantinople, Paul II, due to the circumstances of his predecessor's replacement. Theodore planned the Lateran Council of 649 to condemn the Ecthesis but died before its convocation.
Boniface IV
Boniface IV was the bishop of Rome from 608 to 615, a member of the Benedictine order who served as a deacon under Pope Gregory I. He is known for encouraging monasticism and for converting the Pantheon into a Christian church with imperial permission. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Celestine V
Pope Celestine V, born Pietro Angelerio, was a hermit monk who became pope for five months in 1294. His papacy ended a significant papal impasse, but he abdicated due to his perceived inadequacy for the role, returning to a life of solitude. He is remembered for formalizing the right of a pope to resign and for his subsequent canonization.