On 13 September 604, Pope Sabinian was consecrated pope. Not much is known about his papacy which lasted only until 22 February 606.

Some records allege that he introduced the practice of ringing bells during the canonical hours and the celebration of the Eucharist.

There was a famine in Rome during his papacy, but Sabinian sold rather than give away the Vatican grain supplies. This caused some anger in Rome against him, especially since his predecessor, Gregory I, had given the grain away for free. Indeed, there is a legend that the spirit of Gregory would appear to Sabinus in his dreams condemning Sabinus and would eventually cause Sabinus’ early death.

He also returned secular clergy to the positions in the Vatican that his predecessor filled with monks.