Pope Sergius I
Pope Sergius I was the bishop of Rome from 687 to 701, revered as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He is chiefly remembered for his steadfast refusal to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council, leading to a confrontation with Emperor Justinian II. His election itself was notable, occurring after a dispute between two rival candidates.
- Feast Day
- September 8
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was elected pope on December 15, 687, after a dispute between rivals Paschal and Theodore.
- ›Sergius I steadfastly refused to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council of 692.
- ›Emperor Justinian II ordered his arrest, but the Roman people and Italian militia prevented his abduction to Constantinople.
- ›He baptized King Cædwalla of Wessex in Rome on April 10, 689.
- ›He founded the diaconia of Santa Maria in Via Lata and restored the facade mosaic at Saint Peter's depicting the Worship of the Lamb.
- ›Sergius rejected the Apostolic Canons approved by the Council in Trullo, a difference that persists between Catholic and Orthodox canons.
About Pope Sergius I
Pope Sergius I, born circa 650 and died on September 8, 701, served as the bishop of Rome from December 15, 687, until his death. He is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
Life and historical context
Sergius I hailed from an Antiochene Syrian family that had relocated to Panormus in Sicily. He arrived in Rome during the papacy of Adeodatus II, possibly due to attacks on Sicily by the Caliphate. Before his election as pope, he was ordained cardinal-priest of Santa Susanna by Pope Leo II on June 27, 683.
Election
Sergius I's election followed the death of Pope Conon on September 21, 687. A dispute arose between two rivals, Paschal and Theodore, who engaged in armed conflict within the Lateran Palace. A coalition of civic authorities, army officers, clergy, and citizens intervened, electing Sergius and forcing the rivals to accept him. Despite initial pretenses of acceptance, Paschal attempted to secure his papacy through bribery, but Sergius was consecrated on December 15, 687. Paschal's subsequent intrigues led to his confinement in a monastery.
Papacy and major contributions
Sergius I's pontificate was significantly shaped by his confrontation with the Quinisext Council of 692. He steadfastly refused to accept its canons, viewing them as erroneous novelties, and declared his unwillingness to compromise on religious matters. This stance led Emperor Justinian II to order Sergius's arrest, but the Roman populace and the militia of the exarch of Ravenna protected the pope, preventing his forced transport to Constantinople.
Beyond this conflict, Sergius I was active in church affairs. He baptized King Cædwalla of Wessex on April 10, 689, and ordained Willibrord as bishop of the Frisians. He also played a role in ending the Schism of the Three Chapters with Old Aquileia in 698. Sergius founded the diaconia of Santa Maria in Via Lata and undertook restoration and embellishment of the Eastern church of Santi Cosma e Damiano. Notably, in response to the council's prohibition of depicting Christ as a lamb, Sergius introduced the chant "Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us" into the Mass and restored a mosaic in Saint Peter's depicting the Worship of the Lamb.
Legacy
Sergius I is remembered for his assertive defense of papal authority against Byzantine imperial overreach, particularly concerning the Quinisext Council. His actions reinforced the growing distinction between Eastern and Western church practices and underscored Rome's independent spiritual jurisdiction. His liturgical innovations and building projects also left a tangible mark on the Roman Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Sergius I bishop of Rome?
Pope Sergius I served as the bishop of Rome from December 15, 687, until his death on September 8, 701.
Why is Pope Sergius I remembered for his conflict with Emperor Justinian II?
Sergius I is remembered for his steadfast refusal to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council, which led Emperor Justinian II to order his arrest. However, the Roman people and local militia prevented his abduction to Constantinople.
What were some of Pope Sergius I's notable actions during his papacy?
He baptized King Cædwalla of Wessex, ordained Willibrord as bishop of the Frisians, and worked to end the Schism of the Three Chapters with Old Aquileia. He also founded the diaconia of Santa Maria in Via Lata and restored a mosaic depicting the Worship of the Lamb.
What was the Quinisext Council and why did Sergius I reject its canons?
The Quinisext Council of 692 was an ecumenical council held in Constantinople, attended overwhelmingly by Eastern clergy. Sergius I rejected its canons as invalid, stating he would 'rather die than consent to erroneous novelties,' and would not be 'its captive in matters of religion.'
What is the significance of Sergius I rejecting the Apostolic Canons?
Pope Sergius I rejected the Apostolic Canons approved by the Eastern Church's Council in Trullo, which included 3 Maccabees as part of the biblical canon. This remains a point of difference between the Catholic and Orthodox canons today.
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