After a year-long vacancy, Pope Boniface III ascended to the papacy, making bold moves that shaped Church history. His brief reign saw significant decrees on papal succession and a pivotal proclamation affirming Rome’s supremacy over the Christian world.

The See of St. Peter remained vacant for about a year after the demise of Pope Sabinian. This vacant position was primarily due to the unresolved divisions between the supporters and opponents of Pope Gregory I and the persistent famines.

Exactly one year later, on February 19, AD607, Pope Boniface III was elected as the sixty-sixth Pope and successor to Pope Sabinian.

Upon his election, Pope Boniface III convened a council in Rome. He strictly decreed that discussions regarding the succession of the Pope and appointments were forbidden during their lifetime. The election of a Pope must start three days after the death of the reigning Pontiff. He further mandated severe penalties for those who violated this decree.

One of the most significant actions of Pope Boniface III was his support for Emperor Phocas, officially recognizing him as the ruler of the Roman Empire. In return, Phocas issued a decree affirming that the Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, was the head of all Christian churches. This move temporarily curtailed the Patriarch of Constantinople from using the title "Ecumenical Patriarch."

The foundation for this papal proclamation was the relationship Pope Boniface had developed with Emperor Phocas during his tenure as Apostolic Nuncio in Constantinople under Pope Gregory I.

However, Pope Boniface III's pontificate lasted only about eight months. He passed away on November 12, AD 607.