Psst...we'll send a two-fer every so often, to make sure that we get through all the popes by Christmas, and because some don't have much info available. Enjoy!
Pronounced: ROE-muh-noose or roe-MAH-noose
Very little is known for sure about Romanus, including the dates of his birth, death, and papal election. During his short time in office, Romanus granted the pallium to Vitalis, the Abbot of Italy’s Farfa Abbey, and also gave a papal stamp of approval to Spanish bishops Gerona and Elna in affirming the possessions of their dioceses. His pontificate ended in November 897, though he may have been deposed instead of dying in office. One written account of Romanus’ era noted that “he was made a monk,” which, at that time, was the polite way of saying “he got the boot.”
What was he known for?
Romanus was known primarily for being another pope who ascended from one of the many groups fighting over the papacy in Rome during those days. All signs point to Romanus belonging to the party who had imprisoned and murdered his predecessor, Stephen VI, for convening the grisly Cadaver Synod. In keeping with the tradition of many popes during those days, Romanus also made a point to annul all the decrees and actions of the previous pope, perhaps with a bit of attitude.
SOURCES (and further reading)
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Pope Romanus - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13163b.htm
Pope Romanus - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Romanus
Pope in December 897
Lived: 840 - December 897
Give me the scoop on Theodore II.
Theodore was a Roman, born around the year 840. Despite being in office just 20 days, Theodore II brought some much-needed dignity to the papal office and the Church as a whole. He was well-liked by the clergy, promoted peace amidst Rome’s warring factions, and was generally a very virtuous man. He died in December 897, the same month he was elected.
What was he known for?
Theodore II was best known for undoing much of the damage done by the guy who thought it a good idea to dig up a dead pope and put his corpse on trial (Stephen VI). Theodore started by reinstating the holy orders of any men ordained by Pope Formosus, and followed it by their coerced resignation letters demanded by Stephen VI. He then demanded that the body of Pope Formosus, which had been unceremoniously thrown into the Tiber River and washed ashore by a flood, be given a dignified burial in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Fun fact: Theodore II is fourth on the list of shortest papacies, having reigned a mere 20 calendar days. He’s just two spots behind Boniface VI (16 days), who held the papal office one year prior.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
Advent. Advent was the only thing going on during Theodore’s reign.
Coming tomorrow...Pope John IX
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Lived: 840 - December 897
Give me the scoop on Theodore II.
Theodore was a Roman, born around the year 840. Despite being in office just 20 days, Theodore II brought some much-needed dignity to the papal office and the Church as a whole. He was well-liked by the clergy, promoted peace amidst Rome’s warring factions, and was generally a very virtuous man. He died in December 897, the same month he was elected.
What was he known for?
Theodore II was best known for undoing much of the damage done by the guy who thought it a good idea to dig up a dead pope and put his corpse on trial (Stephen VI). Theodore started by reinstating the holy orders of any men ordained by Pope Formosus, and followed it by their coerced resignation letters demanded by Stephen VI. He then demanded that the body of Pope Formosus, which had been unceremoniously thrown into the Tiber River and washed ashore by a flood, be given a dignified burial in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Fun fact: Theodore II is fourth on the list of shortest papacies, having reigned a mere 20 calendar days. He’s just two spots behind Boniface VI (16 days), who held the papal office one year prior.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
Advent. Advent was the only thing going on during Theodore’s reign.
SOURCES (and further reading)
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Pope Theodore II - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14570b.htm
Pope Theodore II - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Theodore_II
List of popes by length of reign - https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_popes_by_length_of_reign
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