Pope Saint Gregory III

Biography

Pope Saint Gregory III, originally named Pope Gregory, was born in Syria and is recognized as the 90th pope of the Catholic Church. Very little is known about his early life, except that his father's name was John. Prior to his papacy, Gregory served as a priest at the Saint Crisogono Church in Rome, Italy. Gregory III was widely regarded for his exceptional knowledge and virtuous character. He was elected as Pope in 731 by popular acclamation, amidst a troubled period marked by the excesses of the iconoclasts. These iconoclast leaders rejected the veneration of religious icons, which became a significant challenge for Gregory during his pontificate. In an effort to combat the spread of iconoclasm, Gregory III convened a synod in November 731. This synod aimed to condemn the iconoclast movement and reaffirm the importance of religious images within the Church. However, the iconoclast leaders responded by seizing papal territories and assets, and insisted on ecclesiastical allegiance to the Patriarch of Constantinople. Challenges continued to mount during the later years of Gregory's reign when the Lombards invaded Italy. Seeking assistance, he turned to Charles Martel, establishing ties with the French crown. This alliance between the papacy and the French monarchy would have far-reaching implications for centuries to come. Gregory III was particularly supportive of the expansion of the Church in northern Europe. He supported the missions of Saint Boniface in Germany and Saint Willibald in Bohemia, fostering the spread of Christianity in these regions. Additionally, he bestowed palliums, a symbol of authority, on Egbert of York and Saint Tatwine of Canterbury, reinforcing their positions as archbishops. Not only did Gregory contribute to the growth of the Church through missionary efforts, but he also dedicated himself to the beautification of Rome. He undertook various projects to enhance the city's religious and cultural landscape. Gregory III's papacy was also marked by his support for monasticism. He recognized the importance of monastic communities in preserving and spreading the faith, and thus championed their cause during his reign. Pope Saint Gregory III passed away on November 28, 741, due to natural causes. He left behind a lasting legacy as a learned and virtuous pope who stood against iconoclasm and championed the expansion and beautification of the Church. Although he is not associated with any specific patronage and his representation remains unknown, his feast day is celebrated on December 10, and some calendars also recognize November 28 as a day of remembrance for him. Pope Gregory III was canonized prior to the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. He holds the distinction of being the last pope born outside of Europe until the ascension of Pope Francis.