Pope from 676 to 678. Roman by birth, Donus was consecrated bishop of Rome on November 2, 676, succeeding Adeodatus II. Little, if anything, is known about his early life and his short pontificate. The "Liber Pontificalis" says that he paved the atrium or quadrangle in front of St. Peter's with great blocks of white marble and also restored the church of St. Euphemia on the Appian Way and the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, although a number of historians suggest that it could have been the little church on the road to St. Paul's, which marks the spot where Saints Peter and Paul are said to have parted on their way to martyrdom. During his pontificate, Reparatus, archbishop of Ravenna, returned to the obedience of the Holy See, thus ending the schism created by his predecessor Maurus. His brief reign is also remembered for the conciliatory tendencies in regard to the relations with Constantinople. Passing away after one year, five months, and ten days of pontificate, he was buried in the old St. Peter's Basilica, with his tomb being destroyed during the latter's demolishment.
Pope from 676 to 678. Roman by birth, Donus was consecrated bishop of Rome on November 2, 676, succeeding Adeodatus II. Little, if anything, is known about his early life and his short pontificate. The "Liber Pontificalis" says that he paved the atrium or quadrangle in front of St. Peter's with great blocks of white marble and also restored the church of St. Euphemia on the Appian Way and the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, although a number of historians suggest that it could have been the little church on the road to St. Paul's, which marks the spot where Saints Peter and Paul are said to have parted on their way to martyrdom. During his pontificate, Reparatus, archbishop of Ravenna, returned to the obedience of the Holy See, thus ending the schism created by his predecessor Maurus. His brief reign is also remembered for the conciliatory tendencies in regard to the relations with Constantinople. Passing away after one year, five months, and ten days of pontificate, he was buried in the old St. Peter's Basilica, with his tomb being destroyed during the latter's demolishment.
Bio by: Eman Bonnici
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