Paschal I
Italy·9th century·Medieval Papacy·Abbot of St. Stephen's monastery
Pope Paschal I was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 817 to 824. A member of an aristocratic Roman family, he was previously abbot of St. Stephen's monastery. His pontificate saw him rebuild several Roman churches, crown Lothair I as Holy Roman Emperor, and navigate complex political relationships with the Frankish emperors.
Key Facts
- ›Elected pope on January 25, 817, one day after his predecessor's death.
- ›His election was initially made without the sanction of Emperor Louis the Pious.
- ›Rebuilt three major basilicas in Rome, including Santa Prassede.
- ›Granted shelter to exiled Byzantine monks fleeing iconoclasm.
- ›Died on February 11, 824, and was buried in the Basilica of Santa Prassede.
- ›Canonized in the late sixteenth century.
Paschalis I
Church Rebuilding, Relic Translation
- Crowned Lothair I As Holy Roman Emperor
- Rebuilt Santa Prassede, Santa Maria In Domnica, and Santa Cecilia In Trastevere
- Credited With Finding and Translating the Body of Saint Cecilia
- Supported Exiled Byzantine Monks Opposing Iconoclasm
- Wrote Letters Concerning Church Privileges and Appointments
Lothair I, Louis the Pious, Emperor Leo the Armenian, Stephen Iv, Theodore, Leo, Santa Prassede, Santa Maria In Domnica, Santa Cecilia In Trastevere, Catacomb of Callixtus, Basilica Di Santa Maria Maggiore, Old St. Peter's Basilica, Santo Stefano Del Cacco
About Paschal I
Pope Paschal I
Pope Paschal I (died 824) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from January 25, 817, until his death. He was a native of Rome and a member of an aristocratic family, born Pascale Massimi. Before his election, he served as the abbot of St. Stephen's monastery, which catered to pilgrims.
Life and Pontificate
Paschal's accession to the papacy occurred swiftly, just one day after the death of his predecessor, Stephen IV, and was made without the immediate sanction of Emperor Louis the Pious. He sought to appease the Emperor, explaining his election as a necessity to prevent factional strife in Rome. An agreement, the "Pactum cum Paschali pontifice," was reached, which the Emperor confirmed, recognizing Paschal's sovereignty over the Papal States and promising free elections for future pontiffs, though this document has since been questioned by historians.
During his pontificate, Paschal worked with Emperor Louis the Pious, notably sending Archbishop Ebbo of Rheims to evangelize the Danes. A significant event was the coronation of Louis's son, Lothair I, as Holy Roman Emperor on Easter Sunday of 823. However, Lothair proved less amenable to papal authority, leading to conflicts, including the exemption of Farfa Abbey from papal taxation. This friction, coupled with an uprising led by former papal legate Theodore and his son-in-law Leo, resulted in the suppression of the revolt and the harsh punishment of its leaders. Paschal denied involvement, and although the Emperor sent commissioners to investigate, the matter was eventually dropped after Paschal took an oath of purgation before a synod.
Construction and Legacy
Paschal I was a significant builder, rebuilding and decorating three major basilicas in Rome: Santa Prassede, Santa Maria in Domnica, and Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. These churches contain mosaics with lifelike portraits of the pope. He is credited with finding the body of Saint Cecilia and translating it to the basilica bearing her name. Paschal also provided shelter and work for exiled Byzantine mosaic artists who opposed iconoclasm. His use of church-building is seen by scholars as a way to express the authority of the papacy as an independent state.
Paschal I died on February 11, 824. He was refused burial in St. Peter's Basilica, a reflection of his controversial rule, and was instead buried in the Basilica of Santa Prassede. He was canonized in the late sixteenth century, and his feast day is celebrated on February 11.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Paschal I's papacy?
Pope Paschal I served as the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from January 25, 817, until his death in 824.
What were Pope Paschal I's major building projects?
Paschal I is credited with rebuilding three significant basilicas in Rome: Santa Prassede, Santa Maria in Domnica, and Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. He also undertook renovations on Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and added oratories to Old St. Peter's Basilica.
Was Pope Paschal I a saint?
Yes, Pope Paschal I was canonized as a saint in the late sixteenth century. His feast day in the Roman calendar is currently celebrated on February 11.
What was Pope Paschal I's connection to the Holy Roman Empire?
Paschal I crowned Lothair I as Holy Roman Emperor in Rome in 823. While initially confirming agreements with Emperor Louis the Pious regarding papal elections and non-interference, his pontificate later saw Lothair become less cooperative.
What is notable about Pope Paschal I's burial?
Due to his perceived harsh government of the Roman people, the Roman Curia initially refused Paschal I burial within St. Peter's Basilica. He was instead interred in the Basilica of Santa Prassede, a church he had rebuilt and which features a mosaic of his mother, Episcopa Theodora.
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