Pope Boniface II

Boniface II (* in Rome, † October 17 532) was 22 September 530 until his death bishop of Rome. His name means: the benefactor (latin )

He was by birth an Ostrogoth, son of Sigibuld. He owes his election to the influence of the Gothic king Athalaric. He was due to an older conception of history which had traditionally Germanic tribes generally understood as an early German, sometimes referred to as the first German who was elected Pope.

Boniface was appointed by his predecessor, Felix III. designated as successor. Since this was a big fan of the Gothic king, and the latter adhered to Arianism, this succession plan did not meet with the necessary recognition. Therefore chose a part of the Roman clergy Dioscorus as antipope. But Dioscorus died after only 22 days ended the threat of schism. The clergy was forced to acknowledge that of Boniface on Dioscorus imposed anathema, but which was finally revoked by Agapetus I. 535 again.

During his pontificate, he confirmed the decisions condemnation of Pelagianism and Semi-Pelagianism, which were adopted at the Synod of Arausio in 529.

In 531 Boniface tried his hand, the succession in favor of Vigilius set, but had to withdraw under pressure from the clergy again this scheme. Vigilius was nevertheless elected bishop of Rome a few years later.