Pope Sabinian facts for kids

Pope Sabinian (called Sabinianus in Latin) was a leader of the Catholic Church. He was the bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope, from September 13, 604, until he passed away on February 22, 606. His time as Pope happened when the Eastern Roman Empire (also called the Byzantine Empire) had a lot of influence over the papacy (the Pope's office).

Sabinian was the fourth Pope who had previously served as a apocrisiarius in Constantinople. An apocrisiarius was like a special ambassador or representative for the Pope.

Early Life and Ambassador Role

Sabinian was born in a place called Blera, near Viterbo. Pope Gregory I, who was Pope before Sabinian, thought highly of him. Gregory sent Sabinian to Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, to be his ambassador.

In 595, Pope Gregory became upset with Sabinian. This was because Sabinian didn't seem firm enough in his talks with Emperor Maurice. They were discussing a disagreement about the leader of Constantinople using the title "ecumenical patriarch." This title suggested he was a leader over all Christians.

Because of this, Sabinian was called back to Rome. Later that same year, he was sent on a mission to Gaul (which is now France). He returned to Rome in 597.

Time as Pope

Sabinian was chosen to become Pope after Pope Gregory I. He was likely elected in March 604. However, he had to wait for the Eastern Roman Emperor to approve his election. This approval was needed before he could officially become Pope. He was finally made Pope in September of that year.

During his time as Pope, Sabinian was seen as different from Pope Gregory I. The Liber pontificalis, an old book about the Popes, praised Sabinian. It said he "filled the church with clergy." This was different from Gregory, who often chose monks for important church jobs.

Sabinian became unpopular because of his careful approach to money. The Liber pontificalis says he gave out grain during a time when people in Rome were very hungry. However, Pope Gregory I had given grain away for free when there was danger. When the danger passed, Sabinian sold the grain to the people.

Because he sold the grain instead of giving it away for free, some stories later grew up about him. These stories said that Pope Gregory I punished Sabinian for being greedy. Sabinian passed away on February 22, 606. His funeral procession had to change its path through the city. This was to avoid Romans who were unhappy with him.

A writer named Onofrio Panvinio wrote a book in 1557. In it, he said that Sabinian started the custom of ringing bells at certain times of the day for prayers. He also said Sabinian introduced bells for the celebration of the Eucharist (a special church service). This idea was first mentioned in a book from the 1200s by Guillaume Durand.

See also

• In Spanish: Sabiniano para niños