Reigned in: April 896
Died: April 896
Give me the scoop on Boniface VI.
Boniface VI was a Roman by birth, and was the favorite of a Roman faction who seemed to have pulled a fast one after Formosus’ death to get their man in office. His election in April 896 was especially suspect, considering that, prior to being chosen, he had been relieved of his duties twice, once as a subdeacon and once as a priest. In office less than a month, he’s said to have either died of a bad case of gout, or been forcibly removed from office to make way for his successor, Stephen VI.
What was he known for?
Boniface VI, since his reign was shorter than the average DMV visit, currently holds the silver medal for shortest papacy in history, at 16 days. Pope Urban VII is the only man to reign for less time (13 days), sitting as pope for two weeks in September 1590.
Fun fact: As a result of the sketchy circumstances surrounding Boniface VI’s election, some papal lists down through history actually count him as an anti-pope, and omit him from the official list altogether.
Coming tomorrow...Pope Stephen VI (VII)
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Died: April 896
Give me the scoop on Boniface VI.
Boniface VI was a Roman by birth, and was the favorite of a Roman faction who seemed to have pulled a fast one after Formosus’ death to get their man in office. His election in April 896 was especially suspect, considering that, prior to being chosen, he had been relieved of his duties twice, once as a subdeacon and once as a priest. In office less than a month, he’s said to have either died of a bad case of gout, or been forcibly removed from office to make way for his successor, Stephen VI.
What was he known for?
Boniface VI, since his reign was shorter than the average DMV visit, currently holds the silver medal for shortest papacy in history, at 16 days. Pope Urban VII is the only man to reign for less time (13 days), sitting as pope for two weeks in September 1590.
Fun fact: As a result of the sketchy circumstances surrounding Boniface VI’s election, some papal lists down through history actually count him as an anti-pope, and omit him from the official list altogether.
SOURCES (and further reading)
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Pope Boniface VI - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02661b.htm
Pope Boniface VI - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Boniface_VI
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Yes, it powers and sponsors Popes in a Year, but it's so much more than that. In fact, it's the smartest, most powerful communication tool a ministry can use for regular communication with its members. Invite your ministry to try it free!