About Pelagius II
Lived 520 – 590 (aged 69–70). Pelagius II was a catholic priest and writer.
Pope Pelagius II (died 7 February 590) was the bishop of Rome from 26 November 579 to his death on 7 February 590.
Life Pelagius was a native of Rome, but probably of Ostrogothic descent, as his father's name was Winigild. Pelagius became Pope Benedict I's successor on 26 November 579, without imperial confirmation.
Pelagius appealed for help from Emperor Maurice against the Lombards, but to no avail, forcing Pelagius to "buy" a truce and turn to the Franks, who invaded Italy, but left after being bribed by the Lombards.
Pelagius fell victim to the plague that devastated Rome at the end of 590. His successor, Gregory I, thought his regulations of clerical celibacy too strict, and modified them to some extent.
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Important facts
People in Pelagius II's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Pelagius II?
Pope and Bishop of Rome (r. 579-590)
When was Pelagius II born?
Pelagius II was born in 520 in Rome.
When did Pelagius II die?
Pelagius II died on 9 February 590 in Rome.
What was Pelagius II's occupation?
Pelagius II was a catholic priest and writer.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Pelagius II. https://biography.guide/pelagius-ii/
MLA: "Pelagius II." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/pelagius-ii/.
Chicago: "Pelagius II." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/pelagius-ii/.
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