Pope Agatho
Pope Agatho, a highly revered figure in the annals of early Church history, served as the Bishop of Rome from June 27, 678, until his death in January 681. His pontificate, though lasting just over two years, was marked by pivotal events that significantly shaped the development of Christian doctrine and the assertion of papal authority, earning him veneration as a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Origins and Papal Election
Often referred to as "the Wonderworker" (Thaumaturgus) due to various reported miracles, Pope Agatho was of Greek descent, hailing from Sicily, which at the time was an integral part of the Byzantine Empire. While tradition suggests he was a Benedictine monk and possibly of advanced age—reportedly over 100 years old—at the time of his election, such claims about extreme longevity are typical of hagiographical accounts and should be considered with historical caution. Nevertheless, his background as a Greek-speaking Sicilian undoubtedly facilitated crucial diplomatic and theological engagement with the Eastern Church, an aspect that proved invaluable during his papacy.
The Wilfrid of York Appeal: A Landmark for Papal Authority
One of Pope Agatho's earliest and most significant actions involved hearing the appeal of Wilfrid of York. Wilfrid, a prominent Anglo-Saxon bishop and a staunch proponent of Roman ecclesiastical customs within the nascent English Church, had been displaced from his see. This contentious situation arose from a reorganization ordered by Theodore of Canterbury, the then-archbishop, who had controversially divided Wilfrid's extensive Archdiocese of York into several smaller bishoprics. Theodore's aim was likely to improve the administrative efficiency of the rapidly expanding English Church, but his actions were carried out without Wilfrid's consent and were seen by many, including Wilfrid himself, as a violation of established canonical procedure and episcopal rights.
- Context of the Dispute: The Anglo-Saxon Church was still in its formative period, navigating the balance between indigenous practices and the growing influence of Roman traditions, particularly following the Synod of Whitby in 664, which largely adopted Roman customs.
- Agatho's Intervention: After careful deliberation with a synod of bishops convened in Rome, Pope Agatho decisively sided with Wilfrid. He issued a clear decree ordering Wilfrid's full restoration to his episcopal duties and condemning the arbitrary division of his diocese. This ruling was a powerful affirmation of the Roman See's appellate jurisdiction and its authority to intervene in significant ecclesiastical disputes within national churches. Although Wilfrid faced further challenges upon his return to England in enforcing the papal decree, Agatho's unequivocal support marked a crucial assertion of papal power and legal oversight in the Western Church.
Combating Monothelitism: The Sixth Ecumenical Council
The most profound theological challenge addressed during Agatho's pontificate was the persistent Monothelite controversy. This Christological doctrine, particularly prevalent in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, posited that while Christ possessed two natures (divine and human), He had only a single, divine will (from the Greek "monos thelēma"). Monothelitism was originally conceived as a compromise formula, notably promoted by Emperor Heraclius in the 7th century, in an attempt to reconcile the Chalcedonian orthodox position (which affirmed two natures in Christ) with Monophysitism (which claimed Christ had only one nature) and thereby foster political and religious unity within the empire. However, orthodox theologians vehemently opposed it, arguing that it undermined the full and complete humanity of Christ by implying His human nature lacked a distinct human will, which was considered essential for a truly complete human experience and for the doctrine of salvation.
- Preparatory Actions: Recognizing the severe implications of Monothelitism for core Christian doctrine, Pope Agatho took swift and decisive action. He convened a significant synod in Rome in 679 (sometimes referred to as the Lateran Synod of 679, though distinct from the 649 Lateran Synod), bringing together bishops from across the Western Church. This assembly meticulously examined the Monothelite arguments and thoroughly articulated the orthodox position, affirming the doctrine of two wills in Christ.
- The Tomus Agathonis: The definitive conclusions and theological affirmations of this Roman synod were compiled into a comprehensive dogmatic letter, famously known as the "Tomus Agathonis," or "Letter of Agatho." This pivotal document was then dispatched to Emperor Constantine IV in Constantinople, serving as the official, authoritative theological position of the Roman See and the broader Western Church in preparation for an ecumenical council.
- The Sixth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople III): The culmination of these efforts was the Sixth Ecumenical Council, also known as Constantinople III, convened by Emperor Constantine IV in Constantinople from 680 to 681. Pope Agatho sent a distinguished delegation comprising three bishops, four priests, and a deacon to represent the Western Church. Critically, they brought with them the "Tomus Agathonis." The letter was read aloud before the Council Fathers and became the subject of extensive deliberation. Its clear exposition of the doctrine of two wills—a divine will and a human will, both operating in perfect harmony within the one person of Christ—was ultimately embraced and affirmed by the Council. As a result, Monothelitism was officially condemned as a heresy, marking a profound theological victory for Chalcedonian orthodoxy and a significant triumph for the theological leadership of the Roman Pontiff.
Legacy and Veneration
Pope Agatho's pontificate, despite its relatively short duration, proved to be immensely impactful. His unwavering defense of orthodox Christian doctrine and his strategic leadership in confronting the Monothelite heresy not only preserved the theological integrity of the Church but also significantly solidified the standing and authority of the Papacy. For these crucial contributions, he is widely venerated as a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, acknowledging his pivotal role in safeguarding the core tenets of Christian belief.
- Feast Days: In the Roman Martyrology (Catholic Church), Pope Agatho's feast day is observed annually on February 20. The Eastern Orthodox Churches also commemorate him, typically on February 20, though specific local calendars may exhibit minor variations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Agatho
- Who was Pope Agatho?
- Pope Agatho served as the Bishop of Rome from June 27, 678, until his death in January 681. He was of Greek descent from Sicily and is most notably remembered for his crucial role in combating the Monothelite heresy and presiding over significant ecclesiastical appeals.
- What was the significance of the Wilfrid of York appeal during his papacy?
- The appeal of Wilfrid of York highlighted the increasing appellate authority of the Roman See. Pope Agatho definitively sided with Bishop Wilfrid, who had been unjustly removed from his diocese by Theodore of Canterbury, thereby asserting the Pope's right to hear and rule on ecclesiastical disputes within national churches and reinforcing papal legal jurisdiction.
- How did Pope Agatho address Monothelitism?
- Pope Agatho played a pivotal role in resolving the Monothelite controversy, a theological dispute concerning whether Christ had one or two wills. He convened a synod in Rome that produced the "Tomus Agathonis," a crucial dogmatic letter affirming that Christ possessed both a divine and a human will. This letter was instrumental at the Sixth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople III), which ultimately condemned Monothelitism and upheld the orthodox doctrine of two wills.
- When was the Sixth Ecumenical Council convened?
- The Sixth Ecumenical Council, also known as Constantinople III, was convened from 680 to 681, during Pope Agatho's pontificate. It definitively addressed and condemned Monothelitism.
- Why is Pope Agatho venerated as a saint?
- Pope Agatho is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches for his steadfast defense of orthodox Christian doctrine, particularly his decisive actions against the Monothelite heresy, and his influential leadership during the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which preserved core Christological tenets.