Name:
Pope Agapitus I (Agapetus)
Preceded by: John II (533 - 535)
Succeeded by: St. Silverius (536 - 537)
Roman Catholic Pope #57
Dates:
Born: ? (Rome, Italy)
Died: April 22, 536
Pope: May 13, 535 - April 22, 536 (11 months)
Biography:
Son of Gordianus, a Roman priest killed during riots in the days of Pope Symmachus by
supporters of antipope Lawrence, Agapitus I was from the very beginning embroiled in
serious political conflicts with emperor Justinian in Constantinople. Justinian was
determined to invade Italy in order to bring it back under the direct control of the
Eastern Roman Empire, something Agapitus opposed. He pawned sacred vessels in order to
finance a trip to Constantinople to change Justinian's mind, but in that he failed.
The trip wasn't a total waste of his time, however. While there he convinced Justinian to depose the patriarch of Constantinople, Anthimus, because of his Monophysite views. Agapitus then consecrated Mennas as the new patriarch. Agapitus had also earlier taken a more forceful stand than his predecessors against former Arians, especially those located in North Africa, forbidding them from exercising clerical offices.
While in Constantinople Agapitus died and his body was brought back to Rome to be buried in St. Peter's.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: Adrian
Common Misspellings: none
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