Pontian
was elected pope in 230 and reigned until the year 235. The schism of
Hippolytus continued during his episcopate. Towards the end of his
pontificate there was a reconciliation between the schismatic party and
its leader with the Roman pontiff. After the condemnation of Origen at
Alexandria, a synod was held by Pontian in Rome, which concurred in the
decisions of the Alexandrian synod against Origen.
In 235 during
the reign of Maximinus the Thracian a persecution directed chiefly
against the heads of the Church began. One of its first victims was
Pontian, who with Hippolytus was banished to the unhealthy island of
Sardinia. To make the election of a new pope possible, Pope Pontian
resigned his holy office on September 28, 235. Consequently, Anteros was
elected in his stead but reigned for less than two months. Shortly
before this or soon afterwards Hippolytus, who had been banished with
Pontian, became reconciled to the Roman Church, and with this the schism
he had caused came to an end.
How much longer Pontian endured
the sufferings of exile and harsh treatment in the Sardinian mines is
unknown. According to old and no longer existing accounts, he died in
consequence of the privations and inhuman treatment he had to bear.
Pope
Fabian (236-50), successor to Pope Anteros, had the remains of Pontian
and Hippolytus brought to Rome at a later date and Pontian was buried in
the papal crypt of the Catacomb of Callixtus.
Friday, August 13, 2021
Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus
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