Boniface II

Boniface II (* in Rome ; † October 17, 532 ) was bishop of Rome from September 22, 530 until his death .

He was an Ostrogoth from birth , son of Sigibuld . He owes his choice to the influence of the Gothic king Athalaric . He was sometimes referred to as the first German to be elected Pope due to an older view of history, which traditionally Germanic people generally understood as early Germans.

Boniface was by his predecessor Felix III. designated as successor. Since the latter was a great supporter of the Gothic King and the latter adhered to Arianism , this succession regulation did not meet with the necessary recognition. That is why part of the Roman clergy chose Dioskur as antipope . But Dioskurs's death after only 22 days ended the threatening schism . The clergy were forced to recognize the anathema imposed by Boniface on Dioskur, but it was finally revoked by Agapitus I in 535.

During his pontificate he confirmed the resolutions condemning Pelagianism and semipelagianism , which were taken at the Synod of Arausio in 529.

In the year 531 Boniface tried for his part to establish the succession in favor of Vigilius , but had to withdraw this regulation again under pressure from the clergy. Vigilius was nevertheless elected Bishop of Rome a few years later.

Boniface II is the first pontiff in the series of successors of Peter who was not subsequently canonized. (Source: Vatican homepage, picture series of the Popes)

literature

• Friedrich Wilhelm Bautz :  Bonifatius II. In: Biographisch-Bibliographisches Kirchenlexikon (BBKL). Volume 1, Bautz, Hamm 1975. 2nd, unchanged edition Hamm 1990, ISBN 3-88309-013-1 , Sp. 688.
• Entry in the Catholic Encyclopedia , Robert Appleton Company, New York 1913.

Web links

Commons : Boniface II.  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

predecessor	Office	successor
Felix III.	Pope 530-532	John II