POPE #88
Pope Constantine
The 88th Pope of the Catholic Church
Constantine
Pope Constantine was the last pope ever to travel to Constantinople, making his pontificate one of the most historically significant in the relationship between Rome and the Byzantine Empire. A gifted diplomat and steadfast defender of Catholic tradition, he successfully navigated a period of political upheaval while preserving the dignity and independence of the Apostolic See.
Invited by Emperor Justinian II, Constantine journeyed to the imperial capital in AD 710-711. There he refused to compromise the traditions of the Roman Church while maintaining respectful dialogue with the emperor. His visit marked the final personal meeting between a reigning pope and a Byzantine emperor in Constantinople.
“That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee.”
Explore This Pope
Editorial Reading Note
This page preserves the substance of the CatholicG33k biography supplied for this pope while applying the new Every Pope A-Z URL, official Vatican sequence numbering, the approved Pope template, and consistent source labeling. Ancient and medieval details should continue to be distinguished from later tradition during the scheduled historical batch review.
Quick Facts
Overview
Pope Constantine was the last pope ever to travel to Constantinople, making his pontificate one of the most historically significant in the relationship between Rome and the Byzantine Empire. A gifted diplomat and steadfast defender of Catholic tradition, he successfully navigated a period of political upheaval while preserving the dignity and independence of the Apostolic See.
Invited by Emperor Justinian II, Constantine journeyed to the imperial capital in AD 710-711. There he refused to compromise the traditions of the Roman Church while maintaining respectful dialogue with the emperor. His visit marked the final personal meeting between a reigning pope and a Byzantine emperor in Constantinople.
His pontificate also witnessed renewed controversy after Emperor Philippicus Bardanes attempted to revive Monothelitism, a challenge Constantine firmly resisted.
Early Life
Constantine was born in: Syria Very little is known about his childhood.
He likely received an excellent education in: Sacred Scripture, Theology, Greek, Latin, Canon Law, Sacred Liturgy.
Like several popes of this period, he came from the flourishing Christian communities of the Eastern Mediterranean before eventually serving in Rome.
His wisdom and diplomatic abilities earned him great respect among the Roman clergy.
Becoming Pope
Following the death of Pope Sisinnius, Constantine was elected Bishop of Rome.
He was consecrated on: March 25, AD 708 His election came during the restored reign of: Emperor Justinian II whose relationship with Rome had improved considerably since his earlier conflict with St. Sergius I.
Journey to Constantinople
In AD 710, Justinian II invited Constantine to Constantinople.
The pope accepted.
Traveling with several distinguished bishops and clergy, Constantine became: The Last Pope to Visit Constantinople The journey demonstrated that dialogue between Rome and the Byzantine Empire remained possible despite earlier disputes.
Meeting Emperor Justinian II
Upon Constantine’s arrival, Emperor Justinian II greeted the pope with remarkable respect.
Ancient sources report that the emperor: welcomed him ceremonially, kissed the pope’s feet, honored him publicly, sought reconciliation with Rome.
The meetings were conducted with mutual respect.
The Quinisext Council
One of the principal subjects discussed was the: Quinisext (Trullan) Council Constantine did not approve the disputed canons that conflicted with Roman discipline.
Instead, he reaffirmed the position established by: St. Sergius I, John VII.
Some practical accommodations were reached regarding acceptable Eastern customs, but Rome never accepted those canons incompatible with Western tradition.
Constantine preserved both: Catholic unity, Roman ecclesiastical discipline.
Return to Rome
After completing his mission, Constantine safely returned to Rome in: AD 711 His successful diplomacy strengthened relations with the Byzantine Empire without sacrificing the integrity of the Roman Church.
The Fall of Justinian II
Soon after Constantine returned, Justinian II was overthrown and killed.
The new emperor: Philippicus Bardanes supported: Monothelitism He rejected the teaching of the: Sixth Ecumenical Council and attempted to restore the condemned heresy.
Constantine’s Firm Response
Pope Constantine refused to recognize the emperor’s anti-Catholic religious policies.
He maintained the orthodox teaching that Christ possesses: two natures, two natural wills, two natural operations.
The pope also declined to accept Philippicus’ religious decrees.
When Anastasius II became emperor in AD 713, orthodox relations between Rome and Constantinople were restored.
Pastoral Leadership
Throughout his pontificate, Constantine promoted: faithful liturgical worship, unity among bishops, missionary activity, charity toward the poor, sound doctrine.
He governed with prudence during one of the Byzantine Empire’s most politically unstable periods.
Historical Context
Political Leaders Emperor Justinian II Invited Constantine to Constantinople and treated him with exceptional honor.
Emperor Philippicus Bardanes Attempted unsuccessfully to revive Monothelitism.
Emperor Anastasius II Restored communion with Rome after Philippicus’ overthrow.
The Church
During Constantine’s pontificate: the last papal visit to Constantinople occurred, Rome preserved its traditional discipline, Monothelitism briefly resurfaced, communion with the East was restored after Philippicus’ fall, missionary work continued throughout Europe.
Challenges
Diplomatic Negotiations Constantine balanced respect for the emperor with unwavering fidelity to Catholic tradition.
Renewed Heresy
He firmly rejected Philippicus’ attempt to overturn the teaching of the Sixth Ecumenical Council.
Major Contributions
- Eighty-eighth Pope of the Catholic Church
- Last pope to visit Constantinople
- Successfully negotiated with Emperor Justinian II
- Preserved Roman discipline regarding the Quinisext Council
- Defended the Sixth Ecumenical Council against renewed Monothelitism
- Strengthened relations between Rome and Constantinople
- Guided the Church through major political upheaval
Interesting Facts
- Constantine was the last pope in history to visit Constantinople.
- Emperor Justinian II reportedly greeted him by kissing his feet as a sign of reverence.
- He successfully defended Roman tradition during negotiations over the Quinisext Council.
- He resisted Emperor Philippicus Bardanes’ attempt to revive Monothelitism.
- He was one of the last Syrian-born popes of the early Church.
Legacy
Pope Constantine stands as one of the greatest diplomats of the early medieval papacy. His historic journey to Constantinople demonstrated that respectful dialogue with political authorities could coexist with unwavering fidelity to Catholic tradition. Without compromising the Roman Church’s discipline or doctrine, he successfully strengthened relations with the Byzantine Empire during a crucial moment in Christian history.
His steadfast resistance to the brief revival of Monothelitism under Emperor Philippicus preserved the doctrinal achievements of the Sixth Ecumenical Council and safeguarded the Church’s teaching on the two natural wills of Christ. Constantine’s leadership marked the end of an era in papal-imperial relations and prepared the Church for the growing independence of the medieval papacy.
Did You Know?
Pope Constantine was the last reigning pope ever to travel to Constantinople. His journey in AD 710-711 marked the final personal meeting between a pope and a Byzantine emperor in the imperial capital. Although later popes maintained contact with the East through letters and legates, no subsequent pope made an official visit to Constantinople during the Byzantine Empire. Constantine’s mission therefore represents the closing chapter of a unique period in the relationship between Rome and the Christian emperors of the East.
Why Pope Constantine Matters
Pope Constantine’s pontificate marked the final chapter of direct papal engagement with the Byzantine imperial court in Constantinople. Through prudent diplomacy, unwavering fidelity to Catholic doctrine, and respectful dialogue with emperors, he demonstrated that the Church could maintain communion without compromising the integrity of the apostolic faith. His successful defense of the teachings of the Sixth Ecumenical Council ensured that the victory over Monothelitism would endure, while his historic journey foreshadowed the increasingly independent role the papacy would assume in the centuries to come.
CatholicG33k Historical Highlight
The Last Pope to Walk the Streets of Constantinople
In AD 710, Pope Constantine embarked on a remarkable journey that no future pope would ever repeat. Traveling across the Mediterranean to Constantinople, he met personally with Emperor Justinian II, who welcomed him with extraordinary honors. During their discussions, Constantine firmly upheld the traditions of the Roman Church while preserving peace between East and West. Only months after the pope returned to Rome, Justinian was overthrown and killed, bringing an end to this unique era of papal-imperial diplomacy. Constantine’s voyage remains one of the most significant diplomatic missions in the history of the early papacy, symbolizing both the unity of the universal Church and the growing independence of the See of Peter.
Sources and Further Study
Scripture References
- Matthew 16:18-19
- John 17:20-23
- John 21:15-17
- Acts 15:1-29
- Ephesians 4:1-6
- Philippians 2:1-5
- Jude 1:3
Primary Historical Sources
- Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims Bible)
- Liber Pontificalis
- Contemporary Byzantine chronicles concerning Justinian II, Philippicus Bardanes, and Anastasius II
- Correspondence relating to Pope Constantine’s visit to Constantinople
- Acts of the Third Council of Constantinople (Sixth Ecumenical Council, AD 680-681)
- Early Roman ecclesiastical records
Timeline
Born in Syria
Consecrated Pope
Travels to Constantinople
Returns to Rome
Justinian II overthrown
Opposes Philippicus' revival of Monothelitism
Communion restored under Anastasius II
Dies in Rome