Vitalian
Pope Vitalian served as the bishop of Rome from 657 to 672, a pontificate marked by significant disputes over Monothelitism with the imperial government in Constantinople. He maintained a conciliatory relationship with Emperor Constans II, despite the secession of the Archbishopric of Ravenna from papal authority during his reign.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Segni, Lazio, Italy.
- ›Elected pope on July 30, 657, retaining his baptismal name.
- ›His pontificate coincided with the Monothelite controversy.
- ›Emperor Constans II visited Rome during his papacy.
- ›The Archbishopric of Ravenna declared independence from Rome.
- ›Died on January 27, 672.
- Attempted To Resolve the Monothelite Controversy Through Diplomatic Means.
- Maintained A Conciliatory Relationship With Emperor Constans Ii.
- Saw the Secession of the Archbishopric of Ravenna From Papal Authority.
- Supported Constans Ii's Son, Constantine Iv, Against A Usurper.
- Exonerated Bishop John of Lappa After A Synod Declared Him Deposed.
Emperor Constans Ii, Patriarch Peter of Constantinople, Maximus the Confessor, Archbishop Maurus of Ravenna, Theodore of Tarsus, Constantine Iv, Sixth Ecumenical Council
About Vitalian
Pope Vitalian
Vitalian, born in Segni, Lazio, served as the Bishop of Rome from July 30, 657, until his death on January 27, 672. His pontificate occurred during a period of significant theological and political tension between the papacy and the Byzantine Empire.
Life and Historical Context
Vitalian's papacy was largely defined by the dispute over Monothelitism, a doctrine that asserted Christ had only one divine will, which Rome condemned. He sought to mend the fractured relationship with Constantinople, sending letters announcing his elevation to Emperor Constans II and Patriarch Peter of Constantinople, who was inclined towards Monothelitism. Emperor Constans II, in turn, confirmed the privileges of the Holy See and sent a jeweled codex of the Gospels to Rome as a gesture of goodwill. This period also saw ecclesiastical intercourse between Rome and Constantinople restored, though Patriarch Peter's eventual condemnation as a Monothelite at the Sixth Ecumenical Council would later cast a shadow on this reconciliation.
Vitalian's reign also witnessed the secession of the Archbishopric of Ravenna from papal authority. Archbishop Maurus declared his see autocephalous, a move supported by Emperor Constans II. The emperor's visit to Rome in 663, during a campaign against the Lombards, marked a significant interaction, with Constans II receiving gifts from the pope and attending Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. However, Constans II also controversially removed numerous bronze artworks from Rome upon his departure.
Major Contributions and Legacy
Vitalian played a role in supporting Constans II's son, Constantine IV, against a usurper, and later attempted to win the new emperor over to orthodoxy regarding Monothelitism, though this effort was unsuccessful. In the Western Church, Vitalian was instrumental in improving relations with England, sending the learned Theodore of Tarsus to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, which helped resolve divisions regarding ecclesiastical customs. He also intervened in the affairs of the Church in Crete, holding a synod to investigate the deposition of Bishop John of Lappa and ultimately pronouncing him guiltless.
Traditionally, the introduction of church organ music is believed to date from the time of Vitalian's papacy. He is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, with his feast day observed on July 23rd.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Vitalian serve as pope?
Pope Vitalian served as the bishop of Rome from July 30, 657, until his death on January 27, 672.
What was the main religious controversy during Vitalian's papacy?
The primary religious controversy was Monothelitism, a theological dispute concerning the nature of Christ's will, which Rome condemned but the imperial government in Constantinople supported.
What was Vitalian's relationship with Emperor Constans II?
Vitalian had a conciliatory relationship with Emperor Constans II. The emperor visited Rome during Vitalian's pontificate, bringing gifts, and Vitalian supported Constans II's son against a usurper.
Did the Archbishopric of Ravenna remain under papal authority during Vitalian's time?
No, during Vitalian's pontificate, the Archbishopric of Ravenna seceded from papal authority. Archbishop Maurus declared himself independent, and Emperor Constans II sided with Ravenna, issuing an edict removing it from Roman patriarchal jurisdiction.
Is Pope Vitalian considered a saint?
Yes, Pope Vitalian is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on July 23rd.
Related Popes
Sixtus II
Pope Sixtus II, bishop of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258, was a Greek figure martyred during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian. He is known for restoring relations with African and Eastern churches and is venerated as a saint and martyr.
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.
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.