Marinus I

Pope Marinus I

Pope Marinus I, who reigned as bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from approximately late December 882 until his death on May 15, 884, was a significant figure in the tumultuous 9th-century papacy. His pontificate, though short, was marked by controversy and important diplomatic engagements, particularly concerning relations with the Eastern Church.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Gallese and the son of a priest, Marinus I developed considerable expertise in matters concerning the Eastern Church. His early career involved assisting with the reception of imperial ambassadors in 860 and serving as a deacon. He was ordained as a deacon by Pope Nicholas I and subsequently dispatched to Constantinople in 866 to address the religious leadership over the newly converted Bulgarians, although this embassy was initially turned back.

He continued his diplomatic work, being sent again to Constantinople in 869 as one of Pope Adrian II's legates to the eighth ecumenical council, which resulted in the deposition of Patriarch Photios I. His prominence grew, leading to his consecration as bishop of Caere, possibly to prevent him from becoming archbishop of Bulgaria, a position favored by King Boris. Marinus I served as a legate to Constantinople on three separate occasions for the three popes preceding him, with each mission focused on the controversy surrounding Patriarch Photios I.

Papacy and Key Actions

Marinus I's election as pope was met with controversy because he had already been consecrated as a bishop. This practice was generally avoided at the time, as it was expected that a bishop would not move to another see. Among his significant acts as pope were the restitution of Formosus as cardinal bishop of Portus and the anathematizing of Photius I.

He is also remembered for his respect towards Alfred the Great, the King of England. Marinus I exempted the Anglo-Saxons of the Schola Anglorum in Rome from tribute and taxation and sent Alfred a relic of the True Cross as a gift. During his papacy, he also served as treasurer to the Holy See and was sent by Pope John VIII to warn Duke Athanasius of Naples against trading with the Muslims of southern Italy.

Marinus I died in May 884 and was buried in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. His successor was Adrian III. Due to the similarity of their names, Marinus I and Marinus II were sometimes erroneously referred to as Martinus II and Martinus III in historical sources, leading to further confusion with later popes named Martin.