Pope Gregory III

Pope Gregory III (died November 28, 741) served as the bishop of Rome from February 11, 731, until his death. His pontificate was marked by significant challenges, notably the ongoing Byzantine iconoclasm and the encroaching threat from the Lombards.

Life and Historical Context

Gregory III was of Syrian origin, the son of a Christian named Ioannes. His election as pope on February 11, 731, was by popular acclamation, but he was not formally consecrated until March 18, after receiving the approval of the Byzantine exarch of Ravenna. This marked a significant historical transition, as he was the last pope to seek such consent from the exarch. His papacy also represents the last instance of a pope being born outside of Europe until the election of Pope Francis in 2013.

Major Contributions and Actions

A primary focus of Gregory III's papacy was his fervent opposition to Byzantine iconoclasm. Upon his accession, he appealed to Emperor Leo III to reconsider his policies. When his representative was arrested, Gregory convened a synod in November 731, which definitively condemned iconoclasm. In response to imperial actions that appropriated papal territories and transferred ecclesiastical jurisdictions, Gregory emphasized his veneration of icons and relics, undertaking repairs and beautifications of churches, including the erection of an iconostasis in St. Peter's Basilica. He also supported monasticism, establishing a monastery and rebuilding a hospice.

Ecclesiastical and Political Challenges

Gregory III also addressed internal ecclesiastical matters, such as a jurisdictional dispute between the patriarchs of Grado and Aquileia. He approved episcopal appointments in England, supporting the elevation of Archbishops of Canterbury and York. His support extended to missionary work in northern Europe, notably bolstering the mission of Saint Boniface in Germany, whom he elevated to archbishop and appointed as a papal legate. In 732, Gregory banned the consumption of horse meat, deeming it an "abomination" associated with pagan rituals.

The persistent Lombard threat led Gregory III to undertake restoration of the Aurelian Walls and refortify key locations. Despite his opposition to Byzantine iconoclasm, he lent support to the Byzantine Empire in attempts to recapture Ravenna. He actively encouraged the rebellion of Thrasimund II of Spoleto against Lombard King Liutprand, which temporarily diverted Liutprand's attention from the Exarchate. In a moment of desperation, Gregory appealed to Charles Martel for intervention against further Lombard encroachments, even offering allegiance to the Franks, but Martel was preoccupied with the Umayyad invasion of Gaul.

Death and Legacy

Despite his efforts, Gregory III was unsuccessful in permanently halting the Lombard advance. He died on November 28, 741, and was succeeded by Pope Zachary. He was buried in the oratory he had built in St. Peter's Basilica. His feast day is now celebrated on December 10.