Pope Constantine (b. 664)

Pope Constantine, known in Latin as Constantinus, served as the Bishop of Rome from March 25, 708, until his death on April 9, 715. Born in 664, his pontificate occurred during a fascinating and complex period of Church history known as the Byzantine Papacy, an era stretching from the 6th to the 8th century when the popes, though sovereign in their spiritual authority, often found themselves under the political influence and even direct control of the Byzantine emperors.

As one of the last popes of this specific period, Constantine's tenure was notably brief but marked by a singular and historically significant event: his journey to Constantinople in 710–711. This diplomatic mission stands out as the defining moment of his papacy, undertaken at the invitation of the controversial Byzantine Emperor Justinian II.

The Pivotal Visit to Constantinople

The primary purpose of Pope Constantine's journey to the imperial capital was to address the contentious issues surrounding the Trullan Canons, which were promulgated by the Quinisext Council (also known as the Council in Trullo) held in 692. This council, convened by Justinian II, aimed to establish disciplinary and liturgical rules for the entire Church, filling in gaps left by the Fifth and Sixth Ecumenical Councils. However, many of its canons were seen as directly contradictory to Western practices and traditions, particularly regarding clerical celibacy and fasting customs, causing significant friction between Rome and Constantinople.

Constantine's arduous and months-long journey to Constantinople was a testament to the importance of the matter at hand. Upon his arrival, he was received with immense honors, underscoring the emperor's desire for reconciliation and the papacy's enduring prestige. Through careful negotiation and diplomatic skill, Pope Constantine engaged directly with Emperor Justinian II. The outcome was a crucial compromise regarding the disputed Trullan Canons. While the precise details of the agreement remain a subject of historical debate, it generally involved the Pope conditionally accepting some of the canons while rejecting others deemed irreconcilable with Western tradition, thereby averting a potentially disastrous schism and temporarily stabilizing relations between the Eastern and Western Churches.

Historical Significance and Legacy

This remarkable visit by Pope Constantine holds a unique place in history: it was the very last time a reigning pontiff would set foot in Constantinople for over 1,250 years. The next papal visit to the ancient city, now known as Istanbul, would not occur until Pope Paul VI traveled there in 1967, a truly staggering gap that underscores the profound shifts in geopolitical and ecclesiastical power dynamics over the centuries.

Pope Constantine's pontificate, though short, effectively navigated a critical period of tension between the Roman See and the Byzantine Empire. His diplomatic acumen helped to preserve a fragile unity and postponed a more significant rupture, marking him as a pivotal figure in the complex tapestry of early medieval Church history. His compromise with Justinian II, even if temporary, showcased the papacy's enduring ability to assert its authority and negotiate its position amidst imperial pressures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Pope Constantine?
Pope Constantine served as the Bishop of Rome from March 25, 708, until his death on April 9, 715. Born in 664, he was one of the last popes of the Byzantine Papacy, a period characterized by significant Byzantine imperial influence over the Roman See.
What was the "Byzantine Papacy"?
The Byzantine Papacy refers to the period from the mid-6th to the mid-8th century during which the popes were subject to the authority of the Byzantine Emperor. This often involved imperial confirmation of papal elections, and many popes of this era were of Eastern or Greek background. Pope Constantine is considered one of the last pontiffs of this particular epoch.
Why was Pope Constantine's visit to Constantinople significant?
His visit in 710–711 was critically important because it was the first time in many decades that a pope had personally traveled to the imperial capital, and it was the last such visit for over twelve centuries. It allowed for direct negotiation with Emperor Justinian II regarding controversial church canons, temporarily resolving significant doctrinal and disciplinary differences between the Eastern and Western Churches.
What were the Trullan Canons of the Quinisext Council?
The Quinisext Council (also known as the Council in Trullo), convened in 692, issued a set of disciplinary rules known as the Trullan Canons. These canons aimed to regulate various aspects of clerical and monastic life and Christian practice, but many of them conflicted with established Western traditions (e.g., regarding clerical celibacy). Pope Constantine's visit to Constantinople was largely to address these contentious canons.
When was the next papal visit to Constantinople after Pope Constantine's?
Following Pope Constantine's historic journey in 710–711, no reigning pontiff visited Constantinople again until Pope Paul VI traveled to the city (then known as Istanbul) in 1967, marking an extraordinary gap of over 1,250 years.