Spirituality for Today – May 2013 – Volume 17, Issue 10

The 81st Pope
Saint Benedict II

An image of Pope Saint Benedict II, the 81st PopeSaint Benedict II, the 81st Pope

Pope Saint Benedict II (684-685) – His short reign was free of imperial strife, but he had to confront areas of ecclesiastical stubbornness. The pope promulgated his support of the Third Council of Constantinople. In Spain, the bishops called for an intensive examination of the decrees condemned by the Fourteenth Council of Toledo (684). The pope was not in agreement with certain parts of the Council's statements which evoked strong protest from Spain.

Pope Benedict also attempted to convince Macarius I, deposed Patriarch of Antioch, to turn from his Monothelite views and to return to orthodoxy.

Pope Benedict was considered to be very kind and humble and he had a deep concern for the poor. In my opinion, not a bad resume for any pope. He was buried in the Basilica of Saint Peter.

Habemus papam