Agatho
Pope Agatho served as the bishop of Rome from 678 to 681. His pontificate is primarily known for his role in the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which addressed and suppressed the theological doctrine of Monothelitism. He is also noted for hearing the appeal of Wilfrid of York and is venerated as a saint.
Key Facts
- ›Born around 577 in Palermo, Sicily, of Greek origin.
- ›Served as treasurer of the church of Rome before becoming pope.
- ›Presided over the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681) which condemned Monothelitism.
- ›Heard and acted upon the appeal of Wilfrid of York.
- ›Is said to have been the longest-lived pope ever, though recent research casts doubt on this.
- ›Venerated as a saint by both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Sixth Ecumenical Council
- Convened A Synod In the Lateran To Investigate Wilfrid of York's Appeal.
- Ordered Councils Held Throughout the West To Prepare For the Sixth Ecumenical Council.
- Sent A Large Delegation To the Sixth Ecumenical Council In Constantinople.
- Negotiated With Emperor Constantine Iv Regarding Byzantine Interference In Papal Elections.
Wilfrid of York, Theodore of Canterbury, Sixth Ecumenical Council, Monothelitism, Constantine Iv, Pope Honorius I
About Agatho
Pope Agatho
Pope Agatho, born around 577 and serving as bishop of Rome from June 27, 678, until his death on January 10, 681, is a significant figure in the history of the papacy, particularly for his role in resolving major theological disputes and his interactions with the Byzantine Empire.
Life and Historical Context
Little is definitively known about Agatho's early life, though tradition suggests he was born in Palermo, Sicily, of Greek descent. It is believed he may have joined the monastery of San Giovanni degli Eremiti in Palermo and possibly fled to Rome due to raids on Sicily. He served for several years as treasurer of the church of Rome before ascending to the papacy.
Major Contributions and Pontificate
The defining event of Agatho's pontificate was his involvement in the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681). He actively engaged with Emperor Constantine IV, who sought to heal the schism caused by Monothelitism, a doctrine previously tolerated by some popes. Agatho organized Western Church councils to establish a unified position and dispatched a substantial delegation to Constantinople. A letter from Agatho, advocating for Christ having two wills—divine and human—was read at the council, which subsequently condemned Monothelitism and affirmed the doctrine of two wills in Christ.
Agatho also heard the appeal of Wilfrid of York, who had been deposed by Theodore of Canterbury. While Agatho's synod decided Wilfrid's diocese should be divided, it stipulated that Wilfrid should appoint the new bishops for these divisions.
Furthermore, Agatho engaged in negotiations with Emperor Constantine IV concerning the Byzantine court's interference in papal elections, receiving a promise to reduce or abolish the tax paid upon papal consecration.
Veneration and Legacy
Agatho is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. His feast day is January 10 in Western Christianity and February 20 in Eastern Christianity. While church records suggest he was remarkably long-lived, dying between 103–104 years old, modern scholarship questions this, suggesting a potential confusion with another individual named Agathon. His legacy is cemented by his crucial role in resolving the Monothelite controversy through the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which had a lasting impact on Christological doctrine and church unity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Agatho's papacy?
Pope Agatho served as the bishop of Rome from June 27, 678, until his death on January 10, 681.
What was the most significant event during Pope Agatho's papacy?
The most significant event was the convening of the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681). This council addressed the theological dispute of Monothelitism, ultimately suppressing it and helping to heal a schism within the church.
Did Pope Agatho hear the appeal of Wilfrid of York?
Yes, shortly after becoming pope, Agatho heard the appeal of Wilfrid of York, who had been displaced from his see. At a synod, it was decided that Wilfrid's diocese should be divided, but Wilfrid himself should name the new bishops.
Is Pope Agatho considered a saint?
Yes, Pope Agatho is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
What is known about Pope Agatho's early life?
Details of Agatho's early life are uncertain. He is believed to have been born around 577 in Palermo, Sicily, and was of Greek origin. He may have joined a monastery in Palermo and later fled to Rome due to raids on Sicily.
Related Popes
Leo II
Pope Leo II served as the Bishop of Rome from August 17, 682, until his death in June 683, during the Byzantine Papacy. Described as just and learned, he is commemorated as a saint. His brief pontificate was marked by his confirmation of the Sixth Ecumenical Council's decrees against Monothelitism and efforts to assert Roman authority over the Archbishop of Ravenna.
Liberius
Liberius was the bishop of Rome from 352 to 366, serving during a period of significant Arian controversy within the Christian Church. He was exiled by Emperor Constantius II for refusing to condemn Athanasius of Alexandria but was later recalled due to popular pressure. His pontificate is marked by his complex interactions with imperial power and theological disputes, leading to debate among historians about his theological stance.
Dionysius
Pope Dionysius was the Bishop of Rome from 259 to 268, a period marked by the transition from persecution under Valerian to the toleration granted by Gallienus. He is significant for his role in early conciliar disputes, particularly those condemning Paul of Samosata, and for his theological writings that defended the divine nature of the Son of God, predating the controversies of Arianism.