From The Lives of the Popes from the Time of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII. Written Originally in Latin by B. Platina, Native of Cremona, and translated into English (from an anonymous translation, first printed in 1685 by Sir Paul Rycaut), Edited by William Benham, Volume I, London: Griffith, Farran, Okeden & Welsh, [1888, undated in text]; pp. 163-164.
The Lives of the Popes,
BY
B. Platina
Volume I.
LEO II.
A.D. 682-683.
LEO the Second, a Sicilian, son of Paul, was, as appears by his writings, a person thoroughly learned in the Latin and Greek languages. Having also good skill in music, he composed notes upon the Psalms, and very much improved all church music. He ordained likewise, that at the celebration of the Mass, the pax should be given to the people. Moreover, he so vigorously maintained and asserted the sixth synod, of which we have spoken in the life of Agatho, that he 164 excommunicated all those whom, in the presence of Constantine, that synod had condemned. He also repressed the pride of the bishops of Ravenna, a matter before attempted by Pope Agatho, and ordained that the election of the clergy of Ravenna should be invalid, unless it were confirmed by the authority of the Roman see; whereas before, they presuming upon the power of their exarchs, managed all things arbitrarily, owning no subjection to any, but mating even the popes themselves. He likewise solemnly decreed, that no person promoted to the dignity of an archbishop should pay anything for the use of the pall, or upon any other score, a decree which I could wish it were observed at this day, seeing how many evils have arisen through bribery. While Leo was busied in these matters, Rhomoaldus, Duke of Beneventum, having raised a great army, possessed himself of Taranto, Brindisi, and all Apulia, and his wife, Theodata, a devout lady, out of the spoils of the war, built a church in honour to St Peter, not far from Beneventum, and a nunnery. Rhomoaldus, dying, was succeeded by his son, Grimoaldus, who deceasing without issue male, left the dukedom to his brother, Gisulphus.
Our Leo, who besides his great learning and eloquence was also an extraordinary person of devotion and charity, and by his doctrine and example very much promoted justice, fortitude, clemency, and good will among all men, having been in the chair only ten months, died, and, June the 28th, was accompanied to his burial in the church of St Peter with the tears of all men, who deplored the loss of him as of a common father. After his death the see was vacant eleven months, twenty-one days. The time of his pontificate was short, but the reputation he gained therein so great, that one would think he had lived longer than he did, by the celebrated name which he had deservedly acquired in so little time.
Previous Pope: 81. Agatho I. 82. Leo II. Next Pope: 83. Benedict II.