12 Facts About Pope Symmachus

Pope Symmachus's tenure was marked by a serious schism over who was elected pope by a majority of the Roman clergy.

Pope Symmachus was born on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, the son of Fortunatus; Jeffrey Richards notes that he was born a pagan, and "perhaps the rankest outsider" of all the Ostrogothic popes, most of whom were members of aristocratic families.

Pope Symmachus ruled that the one who was elected first and whose supporters were the most numerous should be recognized as pope.

However, an early document known as the "Laurentian Fragment" claims that Pope Symmachus obtained the decision by paying bribes, while deacon Magnus Felix Ennodius of Milan later wrote that 400 solidi were distributed amongst influential personages, whom it would be indiscreet to name.

The initial charge was that Pope Symmachus celebrated Easter on the wrong date.

Pope Symmachus panicked, fleeing from Ariminum in the middle of the night with only one companion.

Pope Symmachus's flight proved to be a miscalculation, as it was regarded as an admission of guilt.

Pope Symmachus retreated to St Peter's and refused to come out, despite the urgings of deputations from the synod.

In 513, Caesarius, bishop of Arles, visited Pope Symmachus while being detained in Italy.

Pope Symmachus provided money and clothing to the Catholic bishops of Africa and Sardinia who had been exiled by the rulers of the Arian Vandals.

Pope Symmachus ransomed prisoners from upper Italy, and gave them gifts of aid.

Pope Symmachus had ruled for fifteen years, seven months, and twenty-seven days.