Pope Saint Symmachus

Biography

Pope Saint Symmachus, also known as Simmaco, was born in Sardinia, part of the Kingdom of Odoacer, which is now modern-day Italy. He was the son of Fortunatus and was baptized in Rome, Italy. Symmachus served as the archdeacon under Pope Anastasius II and eventually ascended to become the 51st Pope in 498. However, Symmachus' papacy was not without controversy. On the same day he was elected, an anti-pope named Laurentius was also chosen by a minority group with Byzantine sympathies and the support of Emperor Anastasius. King Theodoric the Great supported Symmachus, leading to a schism between the two factions. Canon law at the time prohibited campaigning for the papacy during the life of a sitting pope, making the situation even more contentious. In 501, Senator Festus, a supporter of Laurentius, accused Symmachus of various crimes. However, rather than answering the charges, the pope refused, claiming that secular rulers had no jurisdiction over a pope. This decision was confirmed by the Synodus Palmaris on 23 October 502. The schism with Laurentius continued for several years, with Theodoric even installing him in the Lateran Palace and proclaiming him as the legal pontiff. However, Theodoric eventually grew dissatisfied with Laurentius due to his Byzantine traits and had him removed. Despite the turmoil surrounding his papacy, Symmachus devoted much of his time and resources to support persecuted bishops in Africa who were suffering under the Arian Vandals. He also provided aid to the northern Italians who were suffering from invasions by barbarians. Pope Saint Symmachus died on 19 July 514 in Rome, in the Ostrogothic Kingdom, of natural causes. His canonization occurred before the establishment of the formal Congregation for the Causes of Saints, making it a pre-congregation canonization. While Symmachus does not have any particular patronage associated with him, he is honored on his feast day of 19 July. Pope Saint Symmachus's life was marked by the challenging circumstances in which he assumed the papacy and the schism that ensued. Despite these difficulties, he demonstrated a commitment to the Church and the support of persecuted bishops and those affected by barbarian invasions. His dedication to the faith and his leadership during a turbulent period in Church history make him a revered figure in Catholic history.