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Name:
Pope Pelagius I
Preceded by: Vigilius (537 - 555)
Succeeded by: John III (561 - 574)
Roman Catholic Pope #60
Dates:
Born: ? (Rome)
Died: March 3, 561
Pope: April 16, 556 - March 3, 561 (4 years)
Biography:
Pelagius I had a rather poor start to the papacy - he had been jailed by emperor Justinian
as part of an effort to undermine Pope Vigilius and after Vigilius died, Pelagius was sent
to Rome as the emperor's candidate of choice. However, no one was interested in electing
him and Pelagius was only consecrated because two bishops were forced to perform the
ceremony. His assocation with Justinian and rumors about his involvement in the death of
Vigilius would haunt his pontificate until the end of his days.
This is perhaps unfortunate because Pelagius could have otherwise been kown as a good church reformer and an able administrator. He reorganized papal finances and did a lot to reform clerical and monastic behavior. He also worked hard to restore law and order in Rome and the surrounding regions after a series of wars had devastated the country.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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