POPE #88
Pope Constantine
The 88th Pope of the Catholic Church
Constantine
Pope Constantine was the last pope to visit Constantinople while it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and the last to go there for a personal meeting with a reigning Byzantine emperor. Later popes have visited the modern city of Istanbul, so “last pope ever” is misleading.
Invited by Justinian II, Constantine journeyed to the imperial capital in AD 710-711. Negotiations produced a compromise over the Quinisext canons, but the exact concessions are not preserved. It was the final such visit by a pope to the Byzantine imperial court.
“That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee.”
Explore This Pope
Quick Facts
Overview
Pope Constantine was the last pope to visit Constantinople while it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and the last to go there for a personal meeting with a reigning Byzantine emperor. Later popes have visited the modern city of Istanbul, so “last pope ever” is misleading.
Invited by Justinian II, Constantine journeyed to the imperial capital in AD 710-711. Negotiations produced a compromise over the Quinisext canons, but the exact concessions are not preserved. It was the final such visit by a pope to the Byzantine imperial court.
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 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 and 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.
Key Acts and Historical Significance
- 88th 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 to visit Constantinople as the Byzantine imperial capital.
- 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 Constantine traveled to Constantinople and met Justinian II with high ceremonial honors. The agreement over the Quinisext canons survives only in broad outline. His was the last papal visit to the Byzantine imperial court, though modern popes have visited Istanbul.
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