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.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Sicily, son of Paul.
- ›Elected Pope on April 16, 682, consecrated August 17, 682.
- ›Confirmed the decrees of the Sixth Ecumenical Council.
- ›Condemned Pope Honorius I for lack of activity against Monothelitism, not heresy.
- ›Abolished a tax paid by the Archbishop of Ravenna.
- ›Died on June 28, 683.
Ecumenical Councils, Liturgical Music
Sixth Ecumenical Council
- Confirmed Acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council.
- Made Council Decrees Known To the West and Called For Subscription.
- Ended Attempts of Archbishops of Ravenna To Break From Roman Control.
- Abolished Tax For Pallium Payment For Archbishops of Ravenna.
- Transferred Relics of Martyrs To Churches Within City Walls.
- Reformed Gregorian Chant and Composed Sacred Hymns.
Emperor Constantine Iv, Pope Agatho, Pope Honorius I, Archbishops of Ravenna, Visigothic King, Monothelitism
About Leo II
Pope Leo II
Pope Leo II was the Bishop of Rome from August 17, 682, until his death on June 28, 683. He is recognized as one of the popes of the Byzantine Papacy and is commemorated as a saint in the Roman Martyrology, described by a contemporary biographer as both just and learned.
Early Life and Career
Born in Sicily, Leo was the son of a man named Paul. It is suggested he may have joined the many Sicilian clergymen in Rome due to attacks on Sicily by the Caliphate in the mid-7th century. He was known as an eloquent preacher, interested in music, and noted for his charity towards the poor.
Papacy
Leo was elected Pope on April 16, 682, following the death of Pope Agatho on January 10, 681. His consecration did not occur until August 17, 682, possibly due to negotiations with Emperor Constantine IV regarding imperial control over papal elections. His short pontificate was marked by significant actions, notably his confirmation of the decrees of the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681) which condemned Monothelitism. He took care to inform the Western Church of these decrees, urging bishops to subscribe to them. Leo also addressed the issue of Pope Honorius I's condemnation, clarifying it was for inaction rather than heresy. Beyond theological matters, Leo asserted Roman authority over the Archbishops of Ravenna, abolishing a tax they paid. In response to Lombard raids, he transferred relics of martyrs to churches within the city walls and dedicated two churches. He also reformed Gregorian Chant and composed sacred hymns.
Death and Legacy
Leo II died on June 28, 683, and was succeeded by Benedict II. His remains were eventually placed in a tomb with earlier popes named Leo. His legacy includes his role in solidifying the decisions of a major ecumenical council and asserting papal authority, alongside his contributions to liturgical music.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Leo II serve as Pope?
Pope Leo II served as the Bishop of Rome from August 17, 682, until his death on June 28, 683. His pontificate was relatively short, lasting just over ten months.
What was Pope Leo II known for?
Leo II was known as a just and learned pope, and is commemorated as a saint. He is noted for confirming the acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council against Monothelitism and for reforming Gregorian Chant and composing sacred hymns.
What was Leo II's stance on Pope Honorius I?
During the Sixth Ecumenical Council, Pope Honorius I was anathematized for tolerating Monothelism. Leo II took pains to clarify that he condemned Honorius not for teaching heresy, but for insufficient activity in opposing it.
Did Pope Leo II have any conflicts with other church leaders?
Yes, Leo II put an end to the attempts of the Archbishops of Ravenna to break from the control of the Bishop of Rome. He also abolished a customary tax they paid when receiving the pallium.
Related Popes
John VI
Pope John VI, a Greek from Ephesus, reigned as bishop of Rome from 701 to 705 during the Byzantine Papacy. His pontificate was marked by significant diplomatic and military achievements on the Italian Peninsula, including successful negotiations with the Lombards and interventions to prevent violence against the Romans by Byzantine officials. He also presided over a synod that restored Wilfrid of York to his see.
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.
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.