Baring-Gould’s sources: Roman Martyrology. Not in Bede, Notker, or Usuardus. Authority: — His life in the collection of Anastasius the Librarian.] Pope Leo II. was buried on July 3rd, 683, and the Chair of S. Peter remained vacant for more than a twelvemonth, till Benedict II. was crowned on June 26th, 684. This was owing to the necessity of obtaining imperial confirmation of the election. But the inconvenience was so great, that Constantine Pogonatus, the emperor, issued an edict, which enacted that, on the unanimous suffrage of the clergy, the people, and the soldiery (who now asserted •S'. John of Beverley.

La right in the election of the pontiff, similar to the privilege of the Prsetorian Guard in the election of the emperor), the pope might at once proceed to his coronation. Benedict was a Roman by birth, and from his earliest infancy had exhibited every mark of piety. He reigned only nine months; but in his brief reign he found time to adorn and enrich several of the churches of Rome. Constantine, as a mark of especial favour, cut locks off the hair of his two sons, Justinian [Byzantine emperor 527–565] and Heraclius, and sent them to the pope, who went forth in solemn procession with his clergy and all the troops in Rome to receive, with becoming gravity and respect, the august donation.