Martin I
7th‑century pope and martyr, bishop of Rome (649–655), exiled for opposing Monothelitism, venerated as a saint in Catholic and Orthodox Churches
b. 21 Jun 598 · d. 19 Sep 655
74th Bishop of Rome (Pope) · 24 Jul 649–16 Sep 655
Offices
- Bishop of Rome (Pope) № 74 · 24 Jul 649 – 16 Sep 655
Pope Martin I, also known as Martin the Confessor, was the bishop of Rome from 21 July 649 to 653 or 654. He had served as Pope Theodore I's ambassador to Constantinople, and was elected to succeed him as pope. He was the only pope when Constantinople controlled the papacy whose election had not awaited imperial mandate. For his strong opposition to Monothelitism, Pope Martin I was arrested by Emperor Constans II, carried off to Constantinople, and ultimately banished to Cherson. He is considered a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as the last pope recognised as a martyr.
Related people
- Theodore I succeeded · traditional
- Eugene I preceded · traditional
Events
Commemorated
Places
- Pian di San Martino birth
- Chersonesus death
- Rome ministry
How we know
Recorded as a historical figure.
- Liber Pontificalis 1 claim — Liber Pontificalis, the life of Martin I
- The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years 1 claim — Lateran Council of 649