1. Pope Vitalian's pontificate was marked by the dispute between the papacy and the imperial government in Constantinople over Monothelitism, which Rome condemned.
13 Facts About Pope Vitalian
1. 2.
Pope Vitalian's pontificate saw the secession of the Archbishopric of Ravenna from the papal authority.
3.
Pope Vitalian was born in Segni, Lazio, the son of Anastasius.
4.
Pope Vitalian sent letters announcing his elevation to the emperor and to Patriarch Peter of Constantinople, who was inclined to Monothelitism.
5.
Peter's letter to Pope Vitalian was later read during the thirteenth session of the Sixth Ecumenical Council and served as the basis for Peter's condemnation as a Monothelite.
6.
Pope Vitalian showed reciprocity toward Constans when the latter came to Rome in 663 to spend twelve days there during a campaign against the Lombards.
7.
Pope Vitalian supported Constans' son Constantine IV against the usurper Mezezius and thus helped him attain the throne.
8.
Pope Vitalian was successful in improving relations with England, where the Anglo-Saxon and British clergies were divided regarding various ecclesiastical customs.
9.
Pope Vitalian sent a highly educated monk, Theodore of Tarsus, who understood both Latin and Greek, to be archbishop of Canterbury.
10.
When Pope Vitalian called upon him to justify his theological views, Maurus refused to obey and declared himself independent of Rome, initiating a schism.
11.
Pope Vitalian ordained that the former should receive the pallium from the emperor.
12.
Pope Vitalian played a role in exonerating a bishop of the Eastern Church.
13.
Pope Vitalian then wrote to Paul demanding the restoration of John to his diocese and the return of the monasteries which had been unjustly taken from him.