Anastasius II

Pope Anastasius II

Pope Anastasius II was the bishop of Rome from November 24, 496, until his death on November 19, 498. He was a significant figure during a period of deep division within Christianity, known as the Acacian schism, which had fractured relations between the Eastern and Western churches since 484.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Rome and the son of a priest, Anastasius II's pontificate was largely defined by his efforts to mend the schism. Previous popes, Felix III and Gelasius I, had maintained a hardline stance against the Eastern church. Anastasius II, however, was chosen with support from a faction that desired improved relations. He immediately sent envoys to Constantinople to meet with Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I, with whom he shared a name, to work towards an agreement.

Anastasius II indicated a willingness to accept baptisms performed by Patriarch Acacius and suggested that the issue be decided by divine judgment rather than church authorities. Emperor Anastasius I appeared similarly inclined to cooperate, provided the Henotikon, a compromise position developed by Zeno, was accepted. As a gesture of goodwill, Anastasius II was rumored to have given communion to Photinus of Thessalonica, an associate of Acacius.

Major Contributions and Conflicts

These conciliatory gestures, however, proved controversial. They outraged many bishops and clergy in Rome, creating a clear division between those who favored moderation towards the Monophysites in the Byzantine Empire and those who opposed it. The communion with Photinus led many in Rome to refuse communion from Anastasius II, escalating the situation to a crisis point.

Death and Legacy

Anastasius II died unexpectedly at the height of these tensions. For his opponents, his death in 498 was seen as divine retribution. The factions that had formed during his papacy split decisively, each appointing a rival pope. The anti-conciliation faction named Symmachus as his successor, while Senator Rufius Postumius Festus supported the rival claim of Laurentius. This resulted in the Laurentian schism within the Roman church, which made further efforts to reduce the schism with Constantinople impossible.

During the medieval period, Anastasius II was often viewed negatively, with the writer of the Liber Pontificalis arguing his death was divine punishment and that he had broken with the church. The Decretum Gratiani also states he was "reproved by God" and "smitten by divine command." Modern commentators describe this medieval view as a "legend," a "misinterpretation," and "manifestly unjust."

Dante Alighieri placed Pope Anastasius II in the sixth circle of hell in his Inferno, though modern Dante scholars believe this was a mistake and that the emperor Anastasius I was the intended figure. Anastasius II remains one of only two popes from the first 50 not to be canonized, a status shared with Pope Liberius, who is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.