Boniface II, bishop of Rome (530–532 CE), was the son of Sigibuld (or Gisibold, PCBE 2, 2066) and quite likely belonged to a family of Germanic descent, as can be inferred from his father’s name. However, Boniface was a Roman by birth and was formed within the ranks of the Roman clergy, eventually becoming archdeacon of the Church of Rome. In September 530 CE, the elderly archdeacon was designated to become the successor to the see of Peter (Peter [Apostle]) by Pope Felix IV (526–530 CE), who was seriously ill. The practice of designating a successor was not unprecedente…