Saint Symmachus, Pope

Saint Symmachus was born on the Island of Sardinia in the 5th century and was Peter's successor as leader of the Church.

Pope

He had to face challenges from the anti-pope opposition of Lorenzo, who had claimed the authority of Pope. The situation was only resolved when King Theodoric, an Arian monarch, intervened and decided that the one who was elected first and with the greatest number of votes from the other bishops would be recognized as legitimate Pope.

Therefore, Saint Symmachus was elected Pope in 498.

Social and political intrigues

Saint Symmachus played an important role as a conciliator during the fall of the Roman Empire and the invasion of the Vandals, Goths, Visigoths and Longobards who were beginning to dominate the West. He entered into social and political intrigues to take sides for peace and harmony.

Near the end of his life, he still found time to rescue and free the slaves.

While he was Pope, he built the first core of the Vatican palace.

Easter

Pope number 51, Saint Symmachus died on July 19, 514 in Rome.

Source: Canção Nova