Pope Boniface V

Pope Boniface V was the 69th pope and the fifth to use the name, Boniface. History remembers him as the pope associated with bringing Christianity to England and converting locals. This article includes some basic information on Pope Boniface V.

Early Life

As with other popes from this time, there isn’t much information available about his early life. Born to the Fuminas family, he had the first name Bonifacius. He was appointed the cardinal-priest of San Sisto in 618 and appointed a full cardinal later in the year. Boniface was born in Neapolis, which is now part of Naples. Though some records show him as Roman, he was Neapolitan.

Early Troubles

Following the death of Pope Adeodatus I, the Church spent nearly a year looking for the next pope before selecting him. He chose the name Boniface in honor of his birth name. Almost immediately after becoming pope, he faced issues regarding Eleutherius who was the Exarch of Ravenna. He attempted to take control of Rome for his empire and marched with his troops to the city. Before they could arrive, he died due to rebellion from his forces.

Christianity in England

Pope Boniface V was interested in the work missionaries did in England at the time. While others worked on converting the northern part of the nation, the pope focused his attention on Canterbury. He issued a decree that stated Canterbury was a See and that Rome would protect the city center.

Sanctuary

History credits Pope Boniface V with the idea of churches being a sanctuary for those in need. An official decree released during his life stated that anyone could turn to a church for help. Another decree involved the belongings of martyrs. It stated that monks and other holy men could not give those relics to others. An early biography of popes claimed that Boniface V was a mild man who both honored and respected his fellow clergy. When he passed away in 637, he was interned the same day in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica.

List of Events In The Life of Pope Boniface V

DateAgeEventTitle
575Born
61843.0AppointedCardinal-Priest of San Sisto
61843.0Elevated to Cardinal
Nov 61843.8ElectedPope (Roma, Italy)
23 Dec 61944.9Ordained BishopPope (Roma, Italy)
23 Oct 62550.8DiedPope (Roma, Italy)

Quick Facts About Pope Boniface V

  • He was born circa 575 in Neapolis, which was part of the Byzantine Empire.
  • His birth name was Bonifacius Fuminus. This is the same name he used before becoming Boniface V.
  • The pope died on October 25, 625.
  • He died of natural causes and was around the age of 50 when he passed away.
  • The papacy of Boniface V began on December 23, 619.
  • His papacy ended on the same date of his death.
  • Honorius I would succeed Boniface V as the following pope.

Interesting Facts About Pope Boniface V

  • Pope Boniface V was buried in the San Pietro Basilica, better known as St. Peter’s Basilica. No records indicate what happened to the pope after the Church replaced the basilica.

  • He was pope for five years and 306 days or 2,133 days during the seventh century.

  • Before becoming pope, Boniface V was a bishop for nearly six years. He only served as a cardinal for less than one year before taking the throne.

  • To convert others, he sent letters to urge them to follow their hearts and become Christians. One of those letters went to the King of Northumbria, Edwin. The pope also sent the King and his wife gifts. He believed that the man’s wife would help him find his way to the Church because she was already a follower of Christianity.

  • Some of the gifts that he sent the King and Queen included an ivory comb and a silver mirror as well as an embroidered cloak that he thought the King could wear during important ceremonies.

A list of all the popes named “Boniface”

Boniface I (St.) (#42) (418 – 422)
Boniface II (#55) (530 – 532)
Boniface III (#66) (607)
Boniface IV (St.) (#67) (608 – 615)
Boniface V (#69) (619 – 625)
Boniface VI (#113) (896)
Boniface VIII (#194) (1294 – 1303)
Boniface IX (#204) (1389 – 1404)