Pope Felix III
Pope Felix III served as the bishop of Rome from 483 to 492. He is primarily remembered for repudiating the Henotikon, an imperial edict intended to reconcile Catholics and Eutychians, which marked the beginning of the Acacian schism. His actions led to significant divisions within the Church and strained relations between the East and West.
- Feast Day
- March 1
- Century
- 5th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was the bishop of Rome from March 13, 483, to his death on March 1, 492.
- ›His repudiation of the Henotikon is considered the start of the Acacian schism.
- ›Felix was born into a Roman senatorial family and was married and widowed before becoming pope.
- ›He excommunicated Peter the Fuller and Peter Mongus, leading to a schism between East and West that lasted until 519.
- ›In 487, he convened a synod to address the return of Catholics who had been rebaptized as Arians in North Africa.
- ›He is commemorated on March 1.
About Pope Felix III
Pope Felix III served as the bishop of Rome from March 13, 483, until his death on March 1, 492. His pontificate was a period of significant theological and political strife, particularly concerning the nature of Christ and the authority of the imperial government over the Church.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a Roman senatorial family, Felix was married and widowed before his election. He fathered two children, and through his son Gordianus, he is considered a possible ancestor of Pope Gregory I. The church in the 5th century was grappling with the aftermath of the Council of Chalcedon and the rise of various theological interpretations, most notably Eutychianism.
Major Contributions
Felix's most significant act as pope was his repudiation of the Henotikon, an imperial edict issued in 482 by Emperor Zeno. The Henotikon, intended to bridge theological divides, was seen by Rome as an unacceptable compromise that failed to definitively address the nature of Christ, thus avoiding a clear condemnation of Eutychianism. Felix's rejection of this edict and his subsequent remonstrance to Patriarch Acacius of Constantinople marked the beginning of the Acacian schism, a division between the Eastern and Western churches that persisted for decades.
Conflicts and Schism
Felix's opposition to the imperial policy led to further conflicts. He excommunicated Peter the Fuller, who had usurped the See of Antioch, and later Peter Mongus, who held the See of Alexandria. These actions solidified the schism between Rome and the East, which was not resolved until 519.
Aftermath of the Vandals
In addition to doctrinal disputes, Felix also addressed practical matters concerning the Church. In 487, he convened a synod to establish guidelines for the readmission of Catholics in North Africa who had been compelled to embrace Arianism under the rule of the Vandal kings, particularly Genseric and his son Huneric.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Felix III serve as pope?
Pope Felix III served as the bishop of Rome from March 13, 483, until his death on March 1, 492.
What is Pope Felix III most remembered for?
He is chiefly remembered for his repudiation of the Henotikon, an imperial edict aimed at reconciling religious factions, which is considered the beginning of the Acacian schism.
What was the Henotikon?
The Henotikon was an edict issued in 482 by Emperor Zeno, at the suggestion of Patriarch Acacius of Constantinople. It aimed to appease both Catholics and Eutychians but avoided a definitive statement on Christ's natures, causing further conflict.
What was the Acacian schism?
The Acacian schism was a division within the Church that began with Pope Felix III's repudiation of the Henotikon and his excommunication of Patriarch Acacius of Constantinople. This schism between the East and West lasted until 519.
Did Pope Felix III have a family?
Yes, Felix was married and widowed before his election as pope. He had two children and was thought to be the great-great-grandfather of Pope Gregory I.
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