The election of Pope Sergius I occurred amid an environment of significant discord within the early Christian church, characterized by the competing claims of antipopes Paschal and Theodore. The contentious nature of the papacy during this era was fueled by both theological differences and the political dynamics of Rome, where the influence of various factions sought to shape the church's direction. Sergius, previously known as a deacon and respected figure within the church, emerged as a suitable candidate who could bridge the divide between the supporters of the two antipopes, offering a path toward reconciliation. His election took place amidst the backdrop of ongoing disputes that had hampered church unity and led to conflicting leadership claims which weakened the papacy's authority.

Sergius’ papacy is noted for its efforts to cultivate peace within the church. His background and earlier experiences positioned him as a mediator, giving him an understanding of the issues that had divided the church. The support he garnered reflected a longing for a stable leadership, suggesting that the church members were weary of the divisions and sought a reliable head. His tenure is particularly notable for the emphasis on restoring order and legitimacy to a church in crisis, which had profound implications for the evolution of papal authority and governance in the subsequent years. Sergius' approach and decisions during his papacy would subsequently influence the future elections and the broader dynamics of religious leadership in Rome.