Severinus Avienus

Born [date unknown] in Rome, Holy Roman Empire

Died 2 Aug 0640 in Rome, Papal States

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Biography

Pope Severinus Avienus is Notable.

Severinus was a Roman, son of Avienus suggesting descent from members of the Roman Senate.^[1]

Though elected pope in October 638^[2] he was not consecrated until 28 May 640 due to his refusal to sign a declaration supporting Monothelitism.^[3]

He died on 2 August 640.^[2][3]

Flocknote Popes in a Year ^[4] tells us:

Pope from May 28, 640 - August 2, 640 A.D.

Died: August 2, 640 A.D.

Pronounced: sev-uhr-EYE-nuss

Severinus, a Roman, was likely an old man by the time he reached the papacy. He took the Chair of Peter on May 28, 640, but reigned a mere 66 days, dying in office on August 2. One of his sole acts as pope was building the apse in the old St. Peter’s Basilica, where he was eventually buried.

Just about the only thing Severinus is known for is thumbing his nose at the wishes of Emperor Heraclius. One of the conditions of his confirmation – or so the emperor wished – was that the new pope must pledge allegiance to the Monothelitist heresy taught by Sergius, the patriarch of Constantinople (the very same one that got Honorius I in hot water, for those keeping score at home). Severinus' consecration, as a result, was delayed for well over a year after Honorius’ death. But our good pontiff held the line, refusing to subject the Church to a dubious belief and telling the emperor, “You’re not the boss of me.”

The name “Severinus” is derived from the name “Severus” meaning “stern”.

The great St. Arnold, patron saint of brewers and archbishop of Metz (northeast France), died at the age of 58. Click here to read more about three legends surrounding this iconic saint.

Research Notes

This profile is being updated by the Popes Project.

Sources

1. ↑ Martindale, John R.; Jones, A.H.M.; Morris, John (1992), The Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire – Volume III, AD 527–641, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-20160-5
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Vatican
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} Wikipedia: Pope Severinus
4. ↑ Flocknote Popes in a Year
   SOURCES (and further reading)
   John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
   Pope Severinus - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13742c.htm
   Pope Severinus - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Severinus
   640 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/640