Pope Symmachus

Pope Symmachus served as the bishop of Rome from November 22, 498, until his death on July 19, 514. His pontificate was significantly defined by a major schism within the Roman clergy concerning his election.

Early Life and Election

Born on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, then under Vandal rule, Symmachus's father was Fortunatus. Historical notes suggest he was initially a pagan and, unlike many of his predecessors from aristocratic families, was considered an outsider among the Ostrogothic popes. He was baptized in Rome and later served as the archdeacon of the Roman Church under Pope Anastasius II.

Symmachus was elected pope on November 22, 498, in the Constantinian basilica (Saint John Lateran). On the same day, a dissenting faction with Byzantine sympathies, supported by Eastern Roman Emperor Anastasius, elected Laurentius, the archpriest of Santa Prassede, as pope at the Basilica of Saint Mary. To resolve this conflict, both factions agreed to have the Gothic King Theodoric the Great arbitrate.

Papacy and Schism

Theodoric's decision favored Symmachus, a politically motivated ruling. However, an early document known as the "Laurentian Fragment" alleged that Symmachus secured the decision through bribery. Following this, Symmachus convened the Roman Synod I on March 1, 499, attended by 72 bishops and the Roman clergy, including Laurentius. This synod also enacted a decree against seeking votes for a papal successor during the current pope's lifetime.

In 501, Senator Rufius Postumius Festus, a supporter of Laurentius, accused Symmachus of various crimes, including celebrating Easter on the wrong date, unchastity, and misuse of church property. Symmachus fled from Ariminum, where he was summoned by Theodoric to answer these charges, an act interpreted as an admission of guilt. This led to Laurentius being reinstated in Rome, though a significant portion of the clergy withdrew communion with him.

Subsequent synods, particularly the Ariminum Synod II and the Roman Synod III, proved tumultuous. The presence of an Apostolic Visitor appointed by Theodoric became a point of contention, as Symmachus argued it implied the See of Rome was vacant and his guilt was predetermined. Rioting and violence between supporters of the factions increased, leading to the deaths of several of Symmachus's supporters. The "Life of Symmachus" presents these events as street fighting between opposing senatorial factions.

Palmaris Synod and End of Schism

In response to the ongoing turmoil, the bishops petitioned Theodoric to dissolve the synod. However, Theodoric insisted they reach a conclusion. The bishops reconvened on October 23, 502, at a location known as Palma. After reviewing the previous sessions, they concluded that as the successor of Peter the Apostle, the pope could not be judged by them, leaving the matter to divine judgment. They urged reconciliation with Symmachus and decreed that any clergy celebrating mass in Rome without his consent would be punished as schismatics.

Despite this outcome, Laurentius continued to hold churches in Rome for four years with the support of Senator Festus. The struggle between the factions involved mob violence and the production of "Symmachian forgeries," documents intended to support Symmachus's claim that the pope could not be held accountable. Diplomatic efforts, led by figures like the Milanese deacon Ennodius, eventually convinced Theodoric to withdraw his support for Laurentius in 506. The king then instructed Festus to hand over the Roman churches to Symmachus.

Later Pontificate and Death

In 513, Symmachus received Caesarius, bishop of Arles, who was being detained in Italy. This meeting led to Caesarius receiving a pallium and later seeking Symmachus's support for his authority, which the pope readily provided to gather external support for his primacy.

Pope Symmachus also provided significant aid to Catholic bishops exiled by the Arian Vandals in Africa and Sardinia, offering them money and clothing. He also ransomed prisoners from upper Italy and distributed gifts of assistance.

Symmachus died on July 19, 514, and was buried in St. Peter's Basilica. He had ruled for fifteen years, seven months, and twenty-seven days. Notably, despite Laurentius being classified as an antipope, his portrait, not Symmachus's, continues to hang in the papal gallery at the Church of St. Paul's.