St Agatho

Who he was

Agatho was a Sicilian, generally believed to have been a monk in Palermo; tradition says he was very old, even over a hundred, when he became pope in 678. He was known for his friendliness and charity.

What he is remembered for

He restored St Wilfrid to the see of York after hearing his appeal at a Lateran synod. His legates presided over the Third Council of Constantinople (680-81), which effectively ended the Monothelite dispute, though he died before its decrees reached Rome; he was buried on 10 January 681. He was called the Wonderworker for the miracles attributed to him and is honoured in both East and West.

He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope St. Agatho