Birthplace
Rome
Pope from
10 August 654
Pope until
2 June 657
Died
2 June 657
Who he was
Eugene, son of Rufinianus, was a Roman who had been a cleric from boyhood and was known for his gentleness, holiness and generosity. He was elected in August 654, while St Martin I was a prisoner of the emperor; Martin later accepted his election.
What he is remembered for
When his legates brought back an evasive letter on Christ's will from the new Patriarch of Constantinople, the clergy and people of Rome rejected it and would not let Eugene leave St Mary Major until he promised not to accept it. He almost certainly received the young St Wilfrid on his first visit to Rome. He is counted among the saints in the Roman Martyrology.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints