POPE #83
Pope Conon
The 83rd Pope of the Catholic Church
Conon
When the Roman clerical and military factions deadlocked over rival candidates, both accepted the elderly Conon as a compromise. The agreement ended the immediate electoral crisis, although factional conflict returned after his death.
His pontificate lasted less than a year. The surviving record includes imperial remissions and a troubled Sicilian administration; broad claims about a personal international program are not securely documented.
“He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
Explore This Pope
Quick Facts
Overview
When the Roman clerical and military factions deadlocked over rival candidates, both accepted the elderly Conon as a compromise. The agreement ended the immediate electoral crisis, although factional conflict returned after his death.
His pontificate lasted less than a year. The surviving record includes imperial remissions and a troubled Sicilian administration; broad claims about a personal international program are not securely documented.
Early Life
Conon was born in Sicily. His father is traditionally said to have been: An officer from Thrace while his mother was a Sicilian.
According to later biographical tradition, he showed a deep love for Sacred Scripture, prayer, liturgy, theological study.
He entered the clergy and became described in later accounts as wise, gentleness, personal holiness, fairness in resolving disputes.
Becoming Pope
Following the death of Pope John V, the Roman Church experienced a deeply divided election.
Two factions emerged: one supporting the Roman clergy, the other supported by elements of the Byzantine military stationed in Rome.
Neither side could secure enough support.
To avoid a schism, both factions agreed upon: Conon who was elderly, respected, and regarded as a man of peace.
He was consecrated on October 21, AD 686. His election immediately restored unity.
A Pope of Reconciliation
Conon’s greatest achievement was preserving peace within the Church.
He worked to reconcile: rival clergy, political factions, supporters of different candidates.
Rather than favoring one group over another, he emphasized charity, justice, unity, fidelity to the Apostolic See.
His calm leadership prevented a potentially serious division in Rome.
Relations with Emperor Justinian II
Conon maintained peaceful relations with Emperor Justinian II The emperor confirmed Conon’s election and maintained communion with Rome.
Unlike earlier decades marked by theological disputes, relations between Constantinople and Rome remained relatively stable during Conon’s pontificate.
Missionary Concerns
Conon continued supporting the Church in England, Gaul, Spain.
He maintained correspondence with Western bishops and encouraged sound doctrine, clerical discipline, missionary activity.
He also received appeals from bishops seeking papal guidance in matters of Church governance.
Care for the Poor
Despite poor health, Conon continued the charitable traditions of his predecessors.
Church resources assisted: widows, orphans, pilgrims, refugees, the sick, the poor.
His compassion earned him the affection of the Roman faithful.
Final Illness
Conon was already elderly when elected pope.
His health declined steadily during his pontificate.
Even while ill, he continued carrying out his pastoral responsibilities with patience and humility.
He died on September 21, AD 687
Historical Context
Political Leaders Emperor Justinian II Succeeded Constantine IV and initially maintained good relations with the papacy.
His later reign would become far more turbulent.
The Church
During Conon’s pontificate, the peace established after the Sixth Ecumenical Council continued, unity was restored after a contested papal election, missionary work expanded in Western Europe, Rome remained the center of ecclesiastical communion.
Challenges
Divided Election Conon inherited a Church threatened by internal political rivalry.
His election restored unity before a formal schism could develop.
Advanced Age
Despite frail health, he faithfully carried out the responsibilities of the papacy until his death.
Key Acts and Historical Significance
- 83rd Pope of the Catholic Church
- Restored unity after a contested papal election
- Preserved peace within the Roman Church
- Continued implementing the teaching of the Sixth Ecumenical Council
- Maintained communion with Constantinople
- Encouraged missionary work and clerical discipline
- Expanded charitable ministries
Interesting Facts
- Conon was elected as a compromise candidate to prevent a schism in Rome.
- He was already elderly and in poor health when chosen pope.
- His father was traditionally believed to have been a military officer from Thrace, while his mother was Sicilian.
- His peaceful leadership united rival factions within the Church.
- His pontificate immediately preceded the dramatic and eventful reign of St. Sergius I.
Legacy
Pope Conon’s brief pontificate demonstrates that holiness and humility can accomplish what political power often cannot. Chosen as a compromise candidate during a deeply divided election, he restored peace to the Roman Church through fairness, charity, and unwavering fidelity to the apostolic faith.
Although he reigned for less than a year, Conon preserved the unity achieved after the Sixth Ecumenical Council and prepared the way for the important pontificate of St. Sergius I. His life reminds Catholics that the mission of the pope is not to represent factions but to serve as a visible principle of unity for the whole Church.
Did You Know?
Pope Conon was elected only because two rival groups could not agree on any other candidate. Rather than allowing the Church to fall into division, both sides chose an elderly priest whose reputation for holiness and fairness inspired universal respect. His election became an early example of how unity and charity can overcome political conflict within the Church.
Why Pope Conon Matters
Pope Conon shows that the Church is often strengthened by leaders who place unity above personal ambition. Elected to heal a divided Church, he governed with humility, impartiality, and pastoral charity, preserving peace after a contentious papal election. His brief reign reminds Catholics that faithful leadership is measured not by its length but by its fidelity to Christ and its service to the communion of the Church.
CatholicG33k Historical Highlight
The Pope Who Prevented a Schism
In AD 686, Rome’s clergy and influential political groups became deadlocked over who should become the next pope. With tensions rising, they finally agreed upon Conon, an elderly and respected priest known for his holiness rather than political influence. His election immediately ended the crisis and restored unity to the Church. Conon’s pontificate serves as an enduring reminder that peace is often achieved through humble leadership, wise compromise in non-doctrinal matters, and unwavering fidelity to the Gospel.
Sources and Further Study
Scripture References
- Matthew 23:11-12
- Matthew 16:18-19
- John 17:20-23
- John 21:15-17
- Ephesians 4:1-6
- Philippians 2:1-5
- 1 Peter 5:2-4
Primary Historical Sources
- Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims Bible)
- Liber Pontificalis
- Papal correspondence of Pope Conon (fragmentary)
- Contemporary Byzantine chronicles during the reign of Justinian II
- Early Roman ecclesiastical records
Timeline
Born in Sicily
Consecrated Pope
Restores unity after disputed election
Dies in Rome