This week in Christian history: ‘Strange Fire’ conference, Matthew Henry born, Medieval pope consecrated

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 16, 2022

Deusdedit consecrated pope – Oct. 19, 615

A hand-carved wooden reliquary from the 17th century that is said to contain a relic of St. Deusdedit I, who reigned as pope from 615-618. | Screengrab: papalartifacts.com

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope St. Deusdedit, also known as Adeodatus I, was consecrated head of the Roman Catholic Church, ruling for only three years until his death in 618.

The son of a Church sub-deacon, Deusdedit was known for favoring deacons and priests over the monks, a reversal of the policies of his predecessors, Gregory the Great and Boniface IV.

He is also believed to be the first pope to use “bullae,” or seals, on papal documents. It is from this term that we get the phrase “papal bull,” which is any official proclamation from the pope.

“Both the Eastern and Western Churches declared Deusdedit a saint. This is because of his godly character and his kindness,” explained the Christian History Institute.

“The chaos of the era left many clergy in need. The pope did what he could to succor them while he lived and he also provided for them in his will, the first pope known to have done so.”