Pope Constantine was the 88th pope and Syrian by birth. He was one of the only popes to ever visit Greece and felt a deep connection to that country. This article focuses on Pope Constantine and what history remembers about him.
Early Life
Known as Kōnstantínos and Constantinus during his early years, the future pope was born to a man named John and an unnamed mother. He was one of the only popes born in Syria and received a Greek education. He could both read and speak Greek.
The future pope was also fascinated with eastern cultures and studied them at length. Chosen to assist the Third Council of Constantinople, he traveled to the country in 680 and again the following year.
When Pope Leo II wrote a harsh letter to Constantinople, he chose Constantine to deliver it. It was during this trip that he developed a friendship with Prince Justinian.
Papacy Selection
Pope Sisinnius was also Syrian and named pope in 708. Just 20 days later, he passed away. The selection committee came together to name the pope and looked for someone familiar with the Byzantine Empire. Just a few months after the previous pope’s death, the committee chose Constantine. He officially became Pope Constantine on March 25, 708.
Constantinople
One of the biggest issues facing his papacy concerned the Quinisext Council. Also known as the Council in Trullo, it occurred in 692. Pope John VII issued canons to this council and asked for their approval, which he did not get. Justinian II asked the pope to appear in person to discuss the canons.
Constantine arrived in 710 with a group of attendants to discuss the matter. The two could not reach a compromise, which led to the pope heading back to Rome.
Later Life
Pope Constantine would also have issues with Philippikos Bardanes. The new ruler followed a form of religion that believed humans and Jesus Christ were closely connected, which the Church did not believe.
The pope would not attend a mass where the ruler was and turned down his request that the Church began teaching Monothelitism. Anastasius II became the next ruler and requested that the pope work with him. Pope Constantine died soon after.
Quick Facts About Pope Constantine
- Constantine was born circa 664 in Syria.
- His birth name was Constantinus. Some records show that he used the name Kōnstantínos before becoming pope.
- The pope died on April 9, 715.
- Though no records show the pope’s cause of death, he died in Rome.
- His papacy began on March 25, 708.
- The papacy of Constantine ended on April 9, 715 when he passed away.
- Gregory II succeeded Constantine as the next pope.
Interesting Facts About Pope Constantine
- Constantine was the last pope in history to visit Greek while serving as pope. Pope John Paul II would later visit the country on a trip in 2001.
- He ranks as long of the longest-reigning Syrian popes in history. His papacy lasted for 2,571 days or seven years and 15 days.
- During his visit to Constantinople, Justinian II wanted his followers to see that he was in control. He demanded that the pope not only bow at his feet but to also kiss his feet, which the pope did.
- Historical records show that the pope consecrated between 12 and 64 priests during his papacy. He was allowed to consecrate those men while he was in Rome and they were in other cities.
- When Philippikos Bardanes became the next Emperor of the Byzantine Empire, Pope Constantine disliked him so much that he would not accept payments that included coins stamped with the emperor’s image.