Benedict II
635 — 685 · Feast day: May 7
A Roman-born pope who trained in the schola cantorum and was known for his knowledge of Scripture and his care for the poor. Elected in 683, he waited nearly a year for Byzantine imperial approval before his consecration. He then secured a decree from Emperor Constantine IV delegating papal confirmation to the Exarch of Ravenna, shortened future interregna, and restored several Roman churches.