Symmachus
Pope Symmachus served as bishop of Rome from 498 to 514, a pontificate significantly marked by a major schism concerning his election. Born on Sardinia, he was baptized in Rome and rose to archdeacon before his papacy, which was challenged by Laurentius, leading to political arbitration by King Theodoric the Great and a series of synods to resolve the dispute.
Key Facts
- ›Born on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, then under Vandal rule.
- ›Was baptized in Rome and served as archdeacon under Pope Anastasius II.
- ›His election was contested by Laurentius, leading to a prolonged schism.
- ›King Theodoric the Great arbitrated the dispute, initially favoring Symmachus.
- ›The "Laurentian Fragment" claims Symmachus obtained the arbitration through bribes.
- ›Symmachus's flight from Ariminum was perceived as an admission of guilt.
- ›The Palmaris Synod IV declared that the Pope, as successor to Peter, could not be judged by a synod.
- ›Diplomacy and "Symmachian forgeries" were used to bolster his claim to authority.
- ›He provided support to Catholic bishops in Africa and Sardinia exiled by the Vandals.
Roman Synod I, Ariminum Synod Ii, Roman Synod Iii, Palmaris Synod Iv
- Elected Pope Amid A Schism.
- Arbitrated By King Theodoric the Great.
- Convened Multiple Synods To Address the Schism and Accusations.
- Issued Decrees On Papal Succession and Preventing Pre-Election Campaigning.
- Provided Aid To Exiled Catholic Bishops and Ransomed Prisoners.
- Supported Caesarius of Arles In Establishing His Authority.
Laurentius, King Theodoric the Great, Anastasius Ii, Caesarius of Arles, Magnus Felix Ennodius, Dioscorus, Senator Rufius Postumius Festus, Peter of Altinum, Peter Ii of Ravenna, Laurentius of Milan, Marcellianus of Aquileia
About Symmachus
Pope Symmachus
Pope Symmachus (died July 19, 514) was the bishop of Rome from November 22, 498, to his death. His pontificate was notably tumultuous, primarily due to a severe schism that arose from a disputed papal election.
Early Life and Election
Born on the island of Sardinia, then under Vandal rule, Symmachus was baptized in Rome. He rose to the position of archdeacon of the Roman Church under Pope Anastasius II. His election as pope on November 22, 498, was immediately challenged by Laurentius, the archpriest of Santa Prassede, who was elected on the same day by a faction with Byzantine sympathies.
The Laurentian Schism and Synods
The dispute over the papacy led to King Theodoric the Great of the Ostrogoths arbitrating the matter. While Theodoric's initial decision favored Symmachus, allegations of bribery surfaced. To address the ongoing conflict and accusations against him, Symmachus convened a series of synods, including Roman Synod I in 499, the Ariminum Synod II in 501, and the Palmaris Synod IV in 502.
The synods aimed to resolve the schism, establish rules for papal succession, and address charges of misconduct leveled against Symmachus, such as celebrating Easter on the wrong date, unchastity, and misuse of church property. During the synod proceedings, violence erupted in Rome, and Symmachus himself retreated to St. Peter's, refusing to appear under duress. The Palmaris Synod ultimately declared that, as the successor of St. Peter, the Pope could not be judged by a synod, leaving the matter to God's decision. The "Laurentian Fragment" and "Symmachian forgeries" are significant historical documents related to this period, with the forgeries aimed at strengthening Symmachus's claims of papal authority.
Papal Actions and Legacy
Beyond the schism, Symmachus provided aid to Catholic bishops exiled by the Arian Vandals in Africa and Sardinia and ransomed prisoners from upper Italy. He also supported Caesarius of Arles in establishing his authority. Despite the resolution of the schism in his favor, Laurentius's portrait is noted to hang in the papal gallery at St. Paul's Basilica, rather than Symmachus's.
Symmachus ruled for fifteen years, seven months, and twenty-seven days. His pontificate is remembered for its intense internal conflict and the significant legal and theological arguments developed to assert papal primacy and invulnerability.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Symmachus serve?
Pope Symmachus served as the bishop of Rome from November 22, 498, until his death on July 19, 514.
What major conflict defined Pope Symmachus's papacy?
His papacy was marked by a significant schism over his election, with Laurentius also being elected pope by a dissenting faction. This led to political arbitration by King Theodoric the Great and a series of synods.
Where was Pope Symmachus born?
Pope Symmachus was born on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, which was under Vandal rule at the time.
What were some key events during Pope Symmachus's pontificate?
Key events include the synods convened to address the schism, the accusations of crimes against him, his flight from Ariminum, and the eventual declaration by the Palmaris Synod that the Pope could not be judged by a synod.
What was the significance of the "Symmachian forgeries"?
The "Symmachian forgeries" were documents created to support Symmachus's claim that as pope, he could not be called to account by a secular or ecclesiastical body, serving to bolster his authority during the schism.
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