Pope Saint Symmachus
Sardinian-born pope who held his see through a contested election and years of synods
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Pope
- Life
- d. 514
- Era
- 6th century
- Feast
- 19 July
- Countries
- Italy
Life story
Symmachus was born on Sardinia, and the Liber Pontificalis names his father as Fortunatus. He was baptised in Rome, joined the Roman clergy and became a deacon. On 22 November 498 a majority of the Roman clergy elected him at the Lateran basilica, but on the same day another party elected Laurentius. Both went before the Gothic king Theodoric, who ruled for Symmachus because he had been elected first and by the majority.
A Roman synod in 499 ordered that any cleric who canvassed votes for a successor during a pope's lifetime be deposed. Later his opponents accused Symmachus of various faults, including a wrong date for Easter and misuse of church property. The synods of 501 and 502 brought disorder and violence in Rome, until the synod called Palmaris, on 23 October 502, declared him free of the charges, with seventy-five bishops signing.
A small group still backed Laurentius, but it was later reconciled under Symmachus's successor Hormisdas. He sent large sums to the Catholic bishops of Africa who were persecuted by the Arian Vandal rulers, and in 513 he confirmed the metropolitan rights of Caesarius of Arles and granted him the pallium. He died on 19 July 514 and was buried at St Peter's.
Works and witness
- Pope from 22 November 498 until 19 July 514
- Won the king's ruling in the contested election against Laurentius
- Held the Roman synod of 499 banning canvassing for votes before a pope's death
- Sent large sums to African bishops persecuted by the Vandals
- Granted the pallium to Caesarius of Arles in 513
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), 'Pope Saint Symmachus'
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.