Born in ancient Syria, Sergius moved with his family to Sicily and later graduated from the choir school in Rome. Following ordination, he was assigned to the church of Santa Susanna. After Pope Conon died in 687, Sergius was elected as a compromise choice. As pope, he consolidated Roman authority, reconciled with some schismatic Catholics, made key appointments to England, and resisted imperial efforts to give Constantinople equal status with Rome. The oldest papal records say he directed both clergy and people to sing the Agnus Dei.
Born in ancient Syria, Sergius moved with his family to Sicily and later graduated from the choir school in Rome. Following ordination, he was assigned to the church of Santa Susanna. After Pope Conon died in 687, Sergius was elected as a compromise choice. As pope, he consolidated Roman authority, reconciled with some schismatic Catholics, made key appointments to England, and resisted imperial efforts to give Constantinople equal status with Rome. The oldest papal records say he directed both clergy and people to sing the Agnus Dei.
