Boniface VI | |
---|---|
Bishop of Rome | |
Church | Catholic Church |
Papacy began | 11 April 896 |
Papacy ended | 26 April 896 |
Predecessor | Formosus |
Successor | Stephen VI |
Personal details | |
Born | Bonifacio 806 |
Died | 26 April 896 (aged 90) Rome, Papal States [1] |
Other popes named Boniface |
Pope Boniface VI ( Latin: Bonifatius VI; 806 [1] [2] – 26 April 896) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States in April 896. He was a native of Rome. [2] His election came about as a result of riots soon after the death of Pope Formosus. Prior to his reign, he had twice incurred a sentence of deprivation of orders as a subdeacon and as a priest. [3] After a pontificate of fifteen days, he is said by some to have died of the gout, [3] by others to have been forcibly ejected to make way for Stephen VI, the candidate of the Spoletan party. [4]
At a synod in Rome held by John IX in 898, his election was pronounced null and void. [3]
Little is written about the life of Boniface VI. It is believed by historians that he was born to a man called Adrian, who was also a bishop. [5] He then likely served as a sub-deacon or priest before his election to the papacy. [5]