Spirituality for Today – May 2012 – Volume 16, Issue 10

The 69th Pope
Pope Boniface V

An image of Pope Boniface Fifth, the 69th PopePope Boniface V, the 69th Pope

Pope Boniface V (619-625) – Here was another pope who favored a clerical rather than a monastic approach to the development of ecclesiastical policies and discipline. Queen Ethelburga, wife of King Edwin of Northumbria, was encouraged to pray and otherwise express the wishes of Pope Boniface to see the Church enriched in faith by his conversion. Edwin would enter the Church, but Pope Boniface did not live to see it. Pope Boniface kept vigilance on the Church in England. He honored the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justus, by conferring the pallium (special woolen cope worn by the archbishop signifying his authority) and in other ways supported the growth of the Church throughout England.

Much like his predecessor, Pope Boniface used his own resources to aid the poor and also was generous to his fellow clergy. The personality of Pope Boniface was noted as gentle and wise. In his approach to his pontificate he was pastoral and just. He also proposed the idea of "sanctuary" for those who took refuge in the church edifice.

Pope Boniface is entombed in the Basilica of Saint Peter.

Habemus papam