Pope Benedict II

Pope Benedict II was the bishop of Rome, serving from June 26, 684, until his death on May 8, 685. His brief pontificate was marked by efforts to address theological disputes and by significant restoration work on churches in Rome.

Early Life and Background

Born in Rome, Benedict II may have been a member of the Savelli family, though this is not definitively known. He was educated at the schola cantorum from a young age, where he distinguished himself through his knowledge of the Scriptures and his singing abilities.

Papacy and Key Contributions

During Benedict II's time, the election of bishops of Rome traditionally involved consent from the Roman emperor. However, with the emperors residing in Constantinople, this often led to lengthy delays. Although chosen in 683, Benedict II had to wait until 684 for imperial permission to be ordained.

According to the Liber Diurnus Romanorum Pontificum, Benedict II successfully obtained a decree from Emperor Constantine IV that either abolished the requirement for imperial confirmation of papal elections or simplified the process by making it obtainable from the exarch of Ravenna. He also symbolically adopted the emperor's sons, Justinian II and Heraclius.

To combat Monothelitism, Benedict II actively sought the subscriptions of bishops in Hispania to the decrees of the Third Council of Constantinople (680/1). He also worked towards the submission of Macarius, the deposed bishop of Antioch, to these decrees.

Despite his pontificate lasting less than a year, Benedict II is credited with the restoration of numerous churches in Rome. Among these were Old St. Peter's Basilica and San Lorenzo in Lucina.

Death and Burial

Pope Benedict II died on May 8, 685, and was buried in St. Peter's Basilica. His feast day is observed on May 7.