The
Papacy - A Historical Perspective
561-604 A.D.
John III : 561-574 A.D.
61. Born in Rome. Elected July 17, 561 - died July 13, 574.
During his pontificate, Italy was
invaded by the Longobards.
John III helped the Italian people during the disastrous barbarian
invasion, headed by Narses, in defense of their land and against the
cruelties of the invaders.
He saw to the completion of the SS. Apostoli church and consecrated
it on the day of the St. Philip and St. James.
He is buried in the Vatican Grottoes. His pontificate lasted 13
years.
Benedict I : 575-579 A.D.
62. Born in Rome. Elected June 2, 575 - died July 30, 579.
He was elected after almost a year
of vacancy of the See.
He tried in vain to restore order in Italy and France, which were
both devastated by barbaric invasions and internal disorders.
He confirmed the Fifth Council of Constantinople.
He is buried in the Vatican Grottoes. He was a Pope for 4 years and
1 month.
Pelagius II : 579-590 A.D.
63. Born in Rome and of Gothic descent. Elected November 26, 579 -
died February 7, 590.
He was elected without the Emperor's
approval. It was the first
step for the Holy See in detaching itself from Imperial authority,
as deliberated by Justinian.
He decreed that priest must recite the Divine Office every day
and he started putting the date of indiction on documents.
He died victim of a terrible plague which left victims to die
yawning and sneezing.
He is buried in the Vatican Grottoes. He was a pontiff for almost
11 years.
St. Gregory I : 590-604 A.D.
64. Born in Rome. Elected September 3, 509 - died March 3, 604.
He reaffirmed the civil authority of
the Pope: the beginning of
Temporal Powers.
At the time of the plague, an angel appeared to him on the castle
that has since been called Castel Sant' Angelo.
He created a young choir for the purpose of embellishing the
church ceremonies with chants. These were called "Gregorian Chants"
, after his name, and they are still sung today during solemn
functions.
Gregory the Great was a devoted and humble Pope. He liked to call
himself "the servant of the servants of God".
He is buried in the Clementine Chapel in the St. Peter's Basilica.
His pontificate lasted 13 years and 5 months.
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Index of Roman
Pontiffs
Introduction
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