June 29, 0678
Pope Agatho was elected as the 79th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy is noted for resolving the Monothelitism controversy, which was a significant theological dispute in the early church.
Rome, Italy | Roman Catholic Church
On June 27, 678, Agatho was elected as the 79th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy, which lasted until his death in 681, was marked by significant theological and diplomatic achievements. Agatho was known for his piety, administrative skills, and commitment to resolving doctrinal disputes within the Church.
The Monothelitism controversy was a significant theological dispute that arose in the 7th century. It centered around the nature of Christ’s will. Monothelitism proposed that Jesus Christ had two natures (divine and human) but only one will (divine). This doctrine was seen as a compromise to reconcile the Chalcedonian Christians, who believed in two natures and two wills, with the Monophysites, who emphasized a single nature.
Pope Agatho played a crucial role in addressing this controversy. His papacy coincided with the Sixth Ecumenical Council, also known as the Third Council of Constantinople (680-681). Agatho convened a synod in Rome in 679, which condemned Monothelitism and affirmed the doctrine of Dyothelitism, which holds that Christ has two wills, divine and human, in accordance with his two natures.
Agatho’s theological stance was communicated to the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IV and the Eastern Church. His letters and theological arguments were instrumental in the discussions at the council.
The Third Council of Constantinople, held from 680 to 681, ultimately rejected Monothelitism and endorsed the position advocated by Agatho and the Roman Church. The council’s decrees were significant in restoring unity within the Church and reinforcing the Chalcedonian definition of Christology.
Pope Agatho’s successful resolution of the Monothelitism controversy had lasting impacts on the Church. It reinforced the authority of the papacy in theological matters and strengthened the relationship between the Eastern and Western branches of Christianity. The council’s decisions also helped to solidify the orthodox understanding of Christ’s nature, which remains a cornerstone of Christian theology to this day.
Agatho’s papacy is remembered for its diplomatic and theological achievements, and his efforts in resolving the Monothelitism controversy are considered a significant contribution to the unity and doctrinal clarity of the early Church.