Who he was
Silverius was the son of Pope St Hormisdas, born before his father entered the higher clergy. He was only a subdeacon when he was elected in 536 with the support of the Gothic king Theodatus. The Empress Theodora wanted the deacon Vigilius as pope instead.
What he is remembered for
In March 537 he was falsely accused of plotting to open the gates of Rome to the besieging Goths, deposed by the Byzantine general Belisarius and sent into exile. The emperor ordered an inquiry, but on his return to Italy he was taken to an island off the coast (Palmaria or, according to the Liber Pontificalis, Palmarola), where he died of harsh treatment; the year is uncertain. He is honoured as a martyr, with his feast on 20 June.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
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