Pope Pelagius II (b. 520)

Pope Pelagius II served as the Bishop of Rome, the sovereign head of the Catholic Church, from November 26, 579, until his death on February 7, 590. His eleven-year pontificate unfolded during one of the most tumultuous periods in Italian history, marked by persistent external threats and significant ecclesiastical challenges.

The Context of Pelagius II's Papacy

Ascending to the See of Peter, Pope Pelagius II inherited a Rome under immense pressure. The Italian peninsula was reeling from the ongoing and devastating Lombard invasions, which had commenced in 568 CE. These Germanic tribes had conquered much of northern Italy and were relentlessly pushing southward, isolating Rome and threatening its very survival. The Byzantine Empire, nominally the ruler of Italy, was often too preoccupied with its own conflicts in the East, particularly against the Sasanian Persians, to provide substantial military aid to the beleaguered city of Rome.

Pelagius II's papacy thus became a period defined by the need for strong leadership, both spiritual and temporal, to safeguard the Eternal City and its inhabitants amidst widespread famine, plague, and constant warfare. His predecessor, Pope Benedict I, had also faced similar dire circumstances, and the challenges only intensified for Pelagius II.

Key Challenges and Initiatives During His Pontificate

Navigating the Lombard Threat and Appeals for Aid

One of the most pressing concerns for Pope Pelagius II was the immediate threat posed by the Lombards. Rome itself was besieged on multiple occasions, pushing the city to the brink. In a desperate bid to secure assistance, Pelagius II dispatched his trusted deacon, the future Pope Gregory I (then known as Gregory the Great), as an apocrisiarius, or papal envoy, to the imperial court in Constantinople. He repeatedly appealed to Emperor Maurice for military intervention to repel the invaders. However, imperial aid was often insufficient or diverted due to more pressing imperial conflicts in the East, forcing the papacy to increasingly assume quasi-governmental roles in civic administration and defense.

The Schism of the Three Chapters

Beyond the military threats, Pelagius II also grappled with the lingering ecclesiastical division known as the Schism of the Three Chapters. This theological dispute, which had origins in the condemnation of certain writings at the Second Council of Constantinople (553 CE), continued to alienate significant portions of the Western Church, particularly in Aquileia and Istria. Pelagius II attempted to heal this schism, notably by inviting the bishops of Istria to Rome to discuss the matter. Despite his efforts, the schism largely persisted throughout his pontificate, highlighting the complexities of maintaining unity within the nascent Catholic Church.

The "Ecumenical Patriarch" Controversy

A significant point of contention arose between Rome and Constantinople during Pelagius II's reign concerning the title of "Ecumenical Patriarch." John IV Nesteutes, the Patriarch of Constantinople, began using this elevated title, which Pelagius II vehemently opposed. The Pope viewed this as an unacceptable assumption of universal authority, encroaching upon the unique primacy of the See of Peter. Pelagius II protested forcefully, asserting that such a title diminished the equality of other bishops and undermined the singular authority of the Bishop of Rome as the successor of St. Peter. This dispute laid foundational groundwork for future ecclesiastical tensions between the East and West.

Civic and Pastoral Leadership in Rome

Despite the overwhelming external pressures, Pelagius II remained dedicated to the welfare of the Roman populace. He focused on maintaining order, alleviating suffering, and ensuring the continued functioning of ecclesiastical services. His papacy saw efforts to support monasteries and rebuild churches damaged by conflict or neglect, thereby preserving the spiritual and physical infrastructure of the city.

The End of a Challenging Pontificate

Pope Pelagius II's arduous eleven-year papacy tragically concluded on February 7, 590, when he succumbed to the bubonic plague. This devastating epidemic, which ravaged Rome and much of Europe, also claimed countless other lives, including many in the clergy. His death paved the way for the election of his former apocrisiarius, Gregory I, who would become one of the most influential popes in history, continuing many of Pelagius II's policies and further solidifying the papacy's role in the Latin West.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pope Pelagius II

When was Pope Pelagius II the Bishop of Rome?
Pope Pelagius II served as the Bishop of Rome from November 26, 579, until his death on February 7, 590.
What were the major challenges during Pope Pelagius II's papacy?
His pontificate was primarily defined by the relentless Lombard invasions, which led to the siege of Rome; the unresolved Schism of the Three Chapters in the Western Church; and a significant dispute with the Patriarch of Constantinople over the title of "Ecumenical Patriarch."
How did Pope Pelagius II die?
Pope Pelagius II succumbed to the bubonic plague on February 7, 590. This severe epidemic was widespread in Rome at the time.
Who succeeded Pope Pelagius II?
He was succeeded by Pope Gregory I, famously known as Gregory the Great. Gregory had previously served Pelagius II as his papal envoy (apocrisiarius) in Constantinople.