Adeodatus I

Pope Adeodatus I (570 – 8 November 618), also called Deodatus I or Deusdedit, was the bishop of Rome from 19 October 615 to his death on 8 November 618. He was the first priest to be elected pope since John II in 533. The first use of lead seals or bullae on papal documents is attributed to him. His feast day is 8 November.

Biography Adeodatus was born in Rome, the son of a subdeacon named Stephanus or Stephen. He served as a priest for 40 years before his election and was the first priest to be elected pope since John II in 533.

Pontificate Almost nothing is known about Adeodatus I's pontificate. One bulla dating from his reign is still preserved, the obverse of which represents the Good Shepherd in the midst of His sheep, with the letters Alpha and Omega underneath, while the reverse bears the inscription: Deusdedit Papæ. He is also a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church as one of the pre-Schism "Orthodox Popes of Rome".