Pope St. Symmachus

Quick Facts

Overview

Pope St. Symmachus guided the Catholic Church through one of the most difficult papal crises of the early Middle Ages. Almost immediately after his election, a rival claimant, Laurentius, was chosen by another faction, leading to the Symmachan Schism, which divided the Church for several years.

Symmachus faced grave accusations that were never adjudicated on their merits, violent factional conflict, and years of rivalry with Laurentius. The synods of 502 declined to judge him under the political conditions imposed by Theodoric; later canon law associated this episode with the principle that the First See has no ecclesiastical superior.

His reign also continued the defense of the Council of Chalcedon and prepared the Church for the eventual healing of the Acacian Schism under his successor, St. Hormisdas.

Early Life

Very little is known about Symmachus before his election.

He was born in Sardinia, then part of the Western Roman world.

As a young man, he came to Rome, where he received an excellent formation in Sacred Scripture Theology Canon Law Pastoral Ministry. He served faithfully among the Roman clergy and gained a reputation for holiness, administrative ability, charity, unwavering orthodoxy.

Becoming Pope

Following the death of Pope Anastasius II on November 19, AD 498, divisions immediately arose among the Roman clergy.

On November 22, Symmachus was elected pope at the Lateran Basilica.

On the same day, another group elected Laurentius The Church suddenly had: one legitimate pope, one antipope.

This became known as the Symmachan Schism.

The Symmachan Schism

Unlike earlier papal disputes, this conflict lasted several years.

Both candidates appealed to: King Theodoric the Great. Although Theodoric was an Arian Christian, he acted as a civil ruler rather than a theologian.

After examining the elections, he ruled that Symmachus had been elected first and by the larger number of clergy.

Therefore, Symmachus was recognized as the lawful Bishop of Rome.

Laurentius initially accepted the decision.

Unfortunately, the conflict soon returned.

Disputed Accusations

Enemies of Symmachus accused him of financial misconduct, celebrating Easter on the wrong date, moral failings.

The charges arose in a highly political schism. The surviving evidence does not allow their truth or falsity to be established, and Symmachus was not tried to a factual verdict.

Several synods were convened to investigate.

The Synod of AD 502

One of the most important events of Symmachus’ pontificate occurred during the Roman Synods of AD 501-502.

A critical question emerged: Who has authority to judge the Pope?

The bishops concluded that, in the circumstances, they could not pass judgment on the pope and left his cause to God. The concise maxim “The First See is judged by no one” became attached to the episode in later canonical tradition.

(Prima Sedes a nemine iudicatur.) This principle became one of the foundational concepts of later canon law.

The episode became important to later arguments about papal jurisdiction, but its documentary record also includes partisan narratives and the pro-Symmachan forgeries produced during the conflict.

Defender of Papal Independence

Symmachus firmly resisted attempts by civil authorities to interfere in Church governance.

He insisted that bishops should be elected according to Church law, doctrine belongs to the Church, secular rulers may not control ecclesiastical decisions.

This strengthened the freedom of the papacy during a time when kings often attempted to dominate religious affairs.

Continuing the Acacian Schism

The Acacian Schism remained unresolved throughout Symmachus’ pontificate.

He maintained the position of his predecessors: Chalcedon must be accepted.

The Henotikon could not replace an Ecumenical Council.

Communion with Rome required fidelity to apostolic doctrine.

Although reunion would not occur until the next pontificate, Symmachus preserved doctrinal consistency.

Care for the Poor

Symmachus became known for extraordinary generosity.

He provided assistance to: widows, orphans, refugees, persecuted bishops, impoverished clergy.

Many bishops driven from Africa by Arian persecution found refuge through his charity.

He also sent financial aid to Catholic communities suffering persecution under Arian rulers.

Building and Restoring Churches

Symmachus invested heavily in Rome’s churches.

He restored or expanded Old St. Peter’s Basilica, episcopal residences, hospices for pilgrims, charitable institutions, churches dedicated to saints and martyrs.

These projects reflected both his devotion to worship and his concern for the poor.

Relations with Theodoric

Although King Theodoric followed Arian Christianity, he generally respected Catholic worship.

Symmachus maintained a careful relationship with him.

While political tensions occasionally arose, the pope consistently defended the Church’s independence without provoking unnecessary conflict.

Historical Context

Political Leaders Theodoric the Great Ruled Italy from Ravenna.

One of the most capable barbarian kings.

Though Arian, he maintained relative peace and protected much of Roman civilization.

Emperor Anastasius I Continued supporting policies that prolonged the Acacian Schism.

The Church

During Symmachus’ pontificate, the Symmachan Schism divided Rome, the Acacian Schism continued, papal independence became more clearly defined, charitable ministry expanded, Rome remained the center of Western Christianity.

Challenges

The Symmachan Schism For nearly seven years the Church endured competing papal claimants.

Symmachus’ perseverance ultimately restored unity.

Acacian Schism

He remained faithful to the Council of Chalcedon while patiently awaiting reconciliation with the East.

Political Interference

Symmachus resisted efforts by secular rulers and rival factions to dominate papal elections.

Key Acts and Historical Significance

• 51st Pope of the Catholic Church
• Successfully led the Church through the Symmachan Schism
• Strengthened papal independence
• Defended the Council of Chalcedon
• Continued opposing the Henotikon
• Expanded charitable works throughout Italy
• Restored numerous churches in Rome
• Helped establish the canonical principle that “the First See is judged by no one.”

Interesting Facts

• Symmachus served during one of the longest papal election disputes of the early Church.
• His rival, Laurentius, is recognized as an antipope.
• He greatly expanded charitable works throughout Rome.
• He restored several important churches near St. Peter’s Basilica.
• The famous canonical principle “Prima Sedes a nemine iudicatur” (“The First See is judged by no one”) became firmly associated with the synods held during his pontificate.
• He governed while Italy was ruled by the Arian king Theodoric the Great.

Legacy

St. Symmachus demonstrated extraordinary perseverance during years of political turmoil and ecclesiastical division. Despite enduring accusations, rival claimants, and external pressure, he faithfully preserved the unity and independence of the Apostolic See. His leadership strengthened the papacy’s freedom from secular domination and reinforced the Church’s commitment to apostolic doctrine.

His generous care for the poor, support for persecuted Christians, and restoration of Rome’s churches reveal that true papal leadership combines doctrinal fidelity with pastoral charity. By the end of his pontificate, the Church emerged stronger and better prepared for the healing of the Acacian Schism under his successor, St. Hormisdas.

Sources and Further Study

Scripture References

• Matthew 5:9
• Matthew 16:18-19
• Luke 22:31-32
• John 17:20-23
• John 21:15-17
• Ephesians 4:1-6
• Hebrews 13:17

Primary Historical Sources

• Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims Bible)
• Liber Pontificalis
• Acts of the Roman Synods (AD 501-502)
• Ennodius of Pavia, Life of St. Epiphanius and Life of St. Antonius
• Pope St. Symmachus, surviving letters
• Cassiodorus, Variae (for the reign of Theodoric)
• The Symmachan Forgeries (valuable for historical context, though not accepted as authentic sources)

Timeline