St Zosimus

Who he was

Zosimus, a Greek according to the Liber Pontificalis, was consecrated on 18 March 417 and reigned for less than two years. Nothing is known of his earlier life. He gave the Bishop of Arles wide authority in Gaul, which other Gallic bishops resented.

What he is remembered for

At first he was persuaded by the Pelagians Caelestius and Pelagius that their teaching was sound; after the African bishops showed him otherwise, he issued his 'Tractoria' condemning Pelagianism. He also became involved in a dispute with the African Church over appeals to Rome. He was buried in the Church of St Lawrence outside the Walls.

He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope St. Zosimus
• The Holy See: list of the Supreme Pontiffs