Pope Sabinian, took the helm of the Church in a time of turmoil—but his choices would make him one of history’s most disliked popes.

Pope Sabinian, was elected the sixty-fifth pope of the Holy Catholic Church on September 13, AD604. Due to his unsatisfactory endeavours and tasks as nuncio to Constantinople, he was not favored by his predecessor.

Immediately after his election as the Supreme Pontiff, Sabinian reversed many of Gregory's policies, particularly those discouraging monasticism and asceticism. He supported the diocesan clergy and worked to advance their position.

During his reign, 27 new Bishops were appointed. Additionally, this Pontiff created the tradition of ringing bells to commemorate the canonical hours, which signals specific prayer times during the day.

To prevent the Lombards from invading Rome, Pope Sabinian paid their leaders a substantial sum. As a result, the Church had limited resources in the following days to respond to a growing famine that left many Romans struggling with starvation.

Unlike Pope Gregory, who had previously used Church funds to provide food for the hungry, Pope Sabinian made the controversial decision to charge people for the available supplies, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.

Such decisions led him to be one of the most disliked popes in the Church. He faced widespread disdain during his papacy. Upon his death, riots arose during his funeral.

Pope Sabinian died on February 22, AD606, and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lateran Basilica.