Pope Vitalian
Pope Vitalian was the bishop of Rome from 30 July 657 until his death in 672. His pontificate was significantly marked by the dispute over Monothelitism, a theological controversy between the papacy and the imperial government in Constantinople. He is also remembered for his efforts to improve relations with England and for the secession of the Archbishopric of Ravenna from papal authority during his time.
- Feast Day
- July 23
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Vitalian was born in Segni, Lazio, the son of Anastasius.
- ›He was elected and consecrated pope on 30 July 657, retaining his baptismal name.
- ›His pontificate dealt with the Monothelitism controversy, attempting to resolve it with Emperor Constans II.
- ›Vitalian sent Theodore of Tarsus to England to serve as archbishop of Canterbury, improving relations with the Anglo-Saxon church.
- ›The Archbishopric of Ravenna declared independence from papal authority during his papacy, leading to a schism.
- ›He died on 27 January 672 and is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
About Pope Vitalian
Pope Vitalian, born Vitalianus, served as the bishop of Rome from July 30, 657, until his death on January 27, 672. His pontificate occurred during a period of significant tension between the papacy and the imperial government in Constantinople, primarily over the theological dispute of Monothelitism.
Life and Historical Context
Vitalian was born in Segni, Lazio, and was elected to succeed Pope Eugene I after his death in June 657. He retained his baptismal name upon his consecration as pope. His papacy was marked by efforts to navigate the complex political and religious landscape of the 7th century.
Major Contributions and Challenges
A central challenge of Vitalian's pontificate was the Monothelite controversy. He engaged in correspondence with Emperor Constans II and Patriarch Peter of Constantinople, seeking a reconciliation and a settlement of the dispute. While these efforts restored ecclesiastical intercourse between Rome and Constantinople, Patriarch Peter's eventual condemnation as a Monothelite at the Sixth Ecumenical Council highlighted the complexities of these negotiations. Vitalian's name was notably entered on the diptychs of churches in Byzantium, a rare occurrence for a pope during this era.
Vitalian also faced the secession of the Archbishopric of Ravenna from papal authority. Archbishop Maurus declared his see autocephalous, leading to a schism and mutual excommunications, with Emperor Constans II supporting Ravenna. Vitalian's reign also saw him support Constans II's son, Constantine IV, against a usurper, which later provided an opportunity to advocate for orthodoxy against Monothelitism.
In the Western Church, Vitalian played a role in improving relations with England. He sent Theodore of Tarsus, a learned monk fluent in Latin and Greek, to be the archbishop of Canterbury, contributing to the acceptance of Roman practices at the Synod of Whitby.
Legacy
Vitalian is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on July 23. Beyond his efforts to address theological disputes and manage church relations, the introduction of church organ music is traditionally attributed to his papacy, marking a significant development in liturgical practice.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Vitalian bishop of Rome?
Vitalian served as the bishop of Rome from 30 July 657 until his death on 27 January 672.
What was the main theological issue during Vitalian's pontificate?
His pontificate was significantly marked by the dispute over Monothelitism, a theological doctrine that was condemned by Rome but supported by the imperial government in Constantinople.
How did Pope Vitalian interact with Emperor Constans II?
Vitalian maintained a conciliatory relationship with Emperor Constans II, who visited Rome and gifted him valuable items. The emperor also supported Ravenna's secession from papal authority.
What was Vitalian's contribution to the Church in England?
Vitalian played a role in improving relations with England by sending the educated monk Theodore of Tarsus to be the archbishop of Canterbury, helping to unify ecclesiastical customs.
What happened with the Archbishopric of Ravenna during Vitalian's papacy?
Archbishop Maurus of Ravenna declared his see independent of Rome, initiating a schism. Emperor Constans II sided with Ravenna, removing it from papal jurisdiction.
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