Pope Leo II

Pope Leo II, born around January 1, 611, served as the Bishop of Rome from August 17, 682, until his death on June 28, 683. He was one of the popes during the period known as the Byzantine Papacy. A contemporary biographer described him as both just and learned. Leo II is commemorated as a saint in the Roman Martyrology.

Early Life and Career

Leo was a native of Sicily and the son of a man named Paul. It is suggested that he, along with many other Sicilian clergymen, may have come to Rome due to the Caliphate's attacks on Sicily in the mid-7th century. Before his papacy, Leo was recognized as an eloquent preacher, had an interest in music, and was noted for his charitable acts towards the poor.

Pontificate

Following the death of Pope Agatho on January 10, 681, Leo was elected on April 16 of the same year. However, his consecration was delayed until August 17, 682. This delay may have been connected to negotiations between Pope Agatho and Emperor Constantine IV concerning the imperial control over papal elections. Emperor Constantine IV had previously agreed to Agatho's request to abolish or reduce the tax imposed on newly consecrated popes, a policy that had been in place for approximately a century.

Leo's pontificate was brief, limiting the scope of his accomplishments. Nevertheless, he played a significant role in confirming the acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681), which had convened to address the theological controversy of Monothelitism. After informing the emperor of the council's confirmation, Leo disseminated its decrees throughout the West. In correspondence with the Visigothic king, bishops, and nobles, he elucidated the council's findings and urged bishops to subscribe to its decrees. During this council, Pope Honorius I had been anathematized for his perceived tolerance of Monothelism. Leo took care to clarify that his condemnation of Honorius was not based on Honorius teaching heresy, but on his insufficient efforts to oppose it. In line with papal directives, a synod was held at Toledo in 684, where the Third Council of Constantinople was formally accepted.

Leo also intervened to end attempts by the Archbishops of Ravenna to assert independence from the Bishop of Rome. Concurrently, he abolished a customary tax that these archbishops had been required to pay upon receiving the pallium. In response to presumed Lombard raids, Leo oversaw the transfer of relics of several martyrs from the catacombs to churches situated within the city walls. He also dedicated two churches: St. Paul's and Sts. Sebastian and George. Furthermore, Leo made contributions to sacred music by reforming Gregorian Chant and composing several hymns for the Divine Office.

Death and Burial

Pope Leo II died on June 28, 683, and was succeeded by Benedict II. Initially, he was buried in his own monument. However, several years after his death, his remains were relocated to a tomb that also housed the remains of the first four popes named Leo.