Pope Agatho
Pope Agatho served as the bishop of Rome from 678 to 681. He is primarily remembered for his role in the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which condemned monothelitism, and for hearing the appeal of Wilfrid of York. He is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
- Feast Day
- January 10
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Served as bishop of Rome from June 27, 678, to January 10, 681.
- ›Heard the appeal of Wilfrid of York concerning his deposition by Theodore of Canterbury.
- ›Convened councils throughout the West to present the common position of the Western Church for the Sixth Ecumenical Council.
- ›Sent a large delegation to Constantinople for the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680-681).
- ›Agatho's letter advocating for two wills in Christ was read at the council.
- ›Negotiated with Emperor Constantine IV regarding Byzantine interference in papal elections.
About Pope Agatho
Pope Agatho, who served as the bishop of Rome from June 27, 678, until his death on January 10, 681, is a significant figure in early medieval Church history. While details of his early life are uncertain, tradition suggests he was born around 577 in Palermo, Sicily, and may have been of Greek origin. It is said he joined the monastery of San Giovanni degli Eremiti in Palermo after his parents' early death, and he may have later relocated to Rome due to raids on Sicily.
Papacy and Major Contributions
Agatho's pontificate is primarily remembered for his crucial role in the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681). This council, convened to address the theological controversy of monothelitism, which had been tolerated by previous popes, resulted in the suppression of this doctrine and the affirmation of Christ's two wills. Agatho actively prepared for this council by ordering synods throughout the West to establish a unified position for the Western Church and subsequently sent a large delegation to Constantinople. The council's decrees, which condemned monothelitism and included Pope Honorius I in the condemnation, were sent to Rome shortly after Agatho's death.
During his time as pope, Agatho also addressed the appeal of Wilfrid of York, who had been deposed from his see. Agatho convoked a synod in the Lateran to investigate the matter, leading to a decision that Wilfrid's diocese would be divided, but Wilfrid would have the right to name the new bishops. Furthermore, Agatho engaged in negotiations with Emperor Constantine IV concerning the Byzantine court's interference in papal elections, securing a promise from the emperor to abolish or reduce the tax levied on papal consecrations.
Veneration
Pope Agatho is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. His feast day in Western Christianity is on January 10, and in Eastern Christianity, it is commemorated on February 20. He is said to have been the longest-lived pope ever, though recent research has questioned the accuracy of his purported extreme age, suggesting a possible confusion with another individual named Agathon.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Agatho serve as pope?
Pope Agatho served as the bishop of Rome from June 27, 678, until his death on January 10, 681.
What was Pope Agatho known for?
He is chiefly remembered for his role in the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which condemned monothelitism, and for hearing the appeal of Wilfrid of York. He is venerated as a saint.
What was the Sixth Ecumenical Council?
The Sixth Ecumenical Council (680-681) was convened to deal with monothelitism. Pope Agatho sent a large delegation and his letter advocating for two wills in Christ was read, leading to the condemnation of monothelitism.
Was Pope Agatho very old?
Church records state he served as pope as a centenarian, dying between the ages of 103-104. However, recent research suggests a possible confusion with another individual named Agathon.
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