Saint Pope Leo II Biography
Saint Pope Leo II Biography, Feast Day, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Profession, Place of Work, Date of Death, Place of Death, Beatification Date, Canonization Date |
|
| Date of Birth | 611 AD |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | Italy of Europe |
| Matrimony/Holy Orders | Saints who were Popes |
| Profession | Pope |
| Place of Work | Italy |
| Date of Death | July 683 |
| Place of Death | Rome, Byzantine Empire. |
| Feast Day | July 3 |
| Beatification | Beatified by N/A |
| Canonization | Canonized by Pre-Congregation |
| Patron Saint of | N/A |
Saint Pope Leo II Biography
Pope Saint Leo II was an eloquent preacher who loved music and was renowned for his charity to the poor. He was elected pope a few days after the death of Pope St. Agatho on Jan 10, 681.
Early Life
Sicilian by birth, he was among the many Sicilian clergy in Rome at that time. They were there because of the Islamic Caliphate wars against Sicily, mid-7th century. Even though he was elected pope a few days after the death of Pope St. Agatho on January 10, 681. Consecrated after a year and seven months on August 17, 682. This may have been due to deliberations about imperial control over papal elections.
Negotiations were undertaken by Leo’s predecessor Agatho. They were between the Holy See, and the Emperor, Constantine IV. They were negotiating the relations of the Byzantine Court to papal elections. Constantine IV promised Agatho he would abolish or reduce the tax popes had been paying. This was to take effect at the time of the consecration. The imperial policy that had been in effect for about a hundred years.
Career
St. Leo’s term was short and did not allow him to accomplish very much. However, one achievement was of major importance. Confirming the acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council of 680–681. Held in Constantinople, was against the Monothelite controversy. Presided over by the legates of Pope Agatho. After notifying the Emperor the decrees of the council had been approved. He let the nations of the West know about them. Using letters to the king, the bishops, and the nobles of Spain, he explained what the council had put in place. He asked the bishops to follow its decrees.
In this council, Pope Honorius I was condemned for his opinions on the Monothelite controversy. Accused as tolerant of heresy. St. Leo made it clear that he condemned Honorius, not for teaching heresy, but for not being active enough in fighting it.
St. Leo wrote once and again in support of the decision by the council. Also to condemn Honorius, who he regarded as one who had betrayed and tried to overthrow the immaculate faith.
During this time, St. Leo stopped attempts by Ravenna archbishops to stop being under the control of the Pope. He also removed the tax they customarily paid on receiving the pallium.
In an apparent response to the Lombard raids, St. Leo moved the relics of a number of martyrs. They were moved from the catacombs to churches inside the city walls. St. Leo also changed the Gregorian chant and composed several sacred hymns himself for the divine office.
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