Pope Sisinnius
Pope Sisinnius was the bishop of Rome from 15 January 708 to his death.
Sisinnius was Syrian by birth, and his father's name was John. The paucity of donations to the papacy during his reign indicate that he was probably not from the aristocracy.
Sisinnius was selected as pope during the period of Byzantine domination, succeeding John VII after a vacancy of three months. He was consecrated around 15 January 708. His pontificate lasted just twenty days. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "although he was so afflicted with gout that he was unable even to feed himself, he is nevertheless said to have been a man of strong character, and to have been able to take thought for the good of the city". Among his few acts as pope was the consecration of a bishop for Corsica. He also ordered "that lime be burned in order to restore portions" of the walls of Rome. The restoration of the walls planned by Sisinnius was eventually carried out by Gregory II.
Sisinnius was buried in Old St. Peter's Basilica. He was succeeded less than two months later by another Syrian, Constantine, who was probably his brother.
