Donus was a 7th-century Catholic priest who served as the Bishop of Rome from 676 until his death in 678. Born in Rome to Maurice, he was elected to succeed Adeodatus II on November 2, 676. His brief papacy was characterized by ecclesiastical administration and efforts to maintain diplomatic relations with Constantinople. He is remembered for several infrastructural improvements to Roman basilicas and for resolving religious tensions within the city.
Life and ministry
During his tenure, Donus expanded the clergy by adding twelve priests and five deacons, while also consecrating six bishops. He worked to resolve the Nestorian presence in Rome by dispersing the monks. Politically, he helped end the schism in Ravenna and maintained peaceful relations with the Byzantine Empire. He also showed reconciliation by reinstating Vitalianus in the diptychs.
Church works
Donus contributed to the Roman landscape through various restoration projects. He paved the atrium of the Old St. Peter's basilica and oversaw the restoration of both the Basilica of St. Paul and the church of St. Euphemia. Following his death on April 11, 678, he was buried in Old St. Peter's and succeeded by Agatho.