Pope Boniface I
Pope Boniface I served as the bishop of Rome from 418 to 422. His election was initially disputed, but the conflict was ultimately settled by Emperor Honorius. Boniface is remembered for his efforts in maintaining church discipline and restoring certain privileges to the metropolitical sees of Narbonne and Vienne.
- Feast Day
- September 4
- Century
- 5th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was the bishop of Rome from December 28, 418, until his death on September 4, 422.
- ›His election was disputed by supporters of Eulalius until Emperor Honorius intervened.
- ›Boniface restored privileges to the metropolitical sees of Narbonne and Vienne, exempting them from the primacy of Arles.
- ›He was a contemporary of Augustine of Hippo, who dedicated some of his works to him.
- ›Boniface ordered the singing of the Gloria in excelsis on Maundy Thursday and regulated church discipline.
- ›He persuaded Emperor Theodosius II to return Illyricum to Western jurisdiction and defended the rights of the Holy See.
About Pope Boniface I
Pope Boniface I was the bishop of Rome from December 28, 418, until his death on September 4, 422. His tenure was marked by a disputed election and significant efforts to maintain church discipline and authority.
Early Life and Election
Little is known about Boniface's early life before his papacy. The Liber Pontificalis identifies him as a Roman and the son of a presbyter named Iocundus. He is believed to have been ordained by Pope Damasus I and served as a representative of Pope Innocent I in Constantinople. His election as pope occurred on December 28, 418, on the same day as Pope Zosimus's funeral. However, partisans of Eulalius had occupied the Lateran and elected Eulalius as bishop. Boniface was also consecrated on the same day, leading to a contested papacy. The dispute was intensified by violence between the supporters of both candidates. Emperor Honorius initially recognized Eulalius, but after Boniface's partisans petitioned the emperor, Honorius suspended his order and summoned both parties for judgment. Ultimately, after Eulalius defied an imperial order to leave Rome, Emperor Honorius recognized Boniface as the rightful pope on April 3, 419.
Pontificate and Contributions
During his pontificate, Boniface I focused on regulating church discipline and administration. He reversed some of his predecessor's policies, reducing the vicariate authority and restoring metropolitan powers to chief bishops of provinces. He notably supported Hilary, Archbishop of Narbonne, in his choice of a bishop for the vacant See of Lodeve, opposing the attempts of Patroclus, Bishop of Arles, to install someone else. Boniface also insisted that Maximus, Bishop of Valence, should be tried by a synod of Gallic bishops rather than a primate. He was a staunch supporter of Augustine of Hippo in combating Pelagianism, forwarding to Augustine two Pelagian letters he had received. In gratitude, Augustine dedicated his work "Contra duas Epistolas Pelagianorum Libri quatuor" to Boniface. Furthermore, Boniface persuaded Emperor Theodosius II to return Illyricum to Western jurisdiction and actively defended the rights of the Holy See.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Boniface I bishop of Rome?
Pope Boniface I served as the bishop of Rome from December 28, 418, until his death on September 4, 422.
Was Pope Boniface I's election disputed?
Yes, his election was disputed by the supporters of Eulalius. The dispute was eventually settled by Emperor Honorius.
What were some of Pope Boniface I's key actions as pope?
Boniface was active in maintaining church discipline and restored certain privileges to the metropolitical sees of Narbonne and Vienne. He also supported Augustine of Hippo in combating Pelagianism and defended the rights of the Holy See.
Who was Pope Boniface I contemporary?
Pope Boniface I was a contemporary of Augustine of Hippo, a prominent theologian and bishop. Augustine dedicated some of his works to Boniface.
When did Pope Boniface I die?
Pope Boniface I died in Rome on September 4, 422.
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