Died: June 17, 676 A.D.
Pronounced: AH-dee-oh-DAH-tooce
Give me the scoop on Adeodatus II.
Adeodatus II was a Roman by birth, and is only sometimes called “Adeodatus II,” since Pope St. Adeodatus I is sometimes referred to as “Deusdedit” (read here for why). Prior to being pope, he was a monk of the Abbey of St. Erasmus in Rome.
Elected on April 11, 672, Adeodatus was unlike many of his immediate predecessors in that he said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” to engaging in politics and the issues surrounding Monothelitism (the heresy that Christ only has one will). Not much else is known about Adeodatus II. He died on June 17, 676.
What was he known for?
It seems that all St. Adeodatus II was interested in was restoring old churches and giving to the poor. His reputation was one of generosity toward pilgrims and the needy, and during his reign he helped reconstruct the abbey where he served prior to election – St. Erasmus – as well as a lesser church in Rome dedicated to St. Peter.
Fun Fact…
Nine days ago (April 11) marked the 1349th anniversary of Adeodatus II’s election as the 77th pope. That’s 5.6 times longer than the United States has been a country.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
The First Arab Siege of Constantinople — a Muslim attack on the Byzantine capital city — began in the year 674 and lasted four years. The Islamic forces were ultimately defeated by Emperor Constantine IV’s armies in 678.
Coming tomorrow….Pope Donus
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SOURCES (and further reading)
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Pope St. Adeodatus – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01142a.htm
Pope Adeodatus II – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Adeodatus_II
Siege of Constantinople – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Constantinople_(674-678)
Sent by Matthew Sewell