Pope Saint Antherus

Biography

Pope Saint Antherus, also known as Antère, Anteros, Anterus, and Antheros, was born in Petilia Policastro, Italy. He came from a family that had Greek roots, suggesting a cultural influence from Greece. Antherus later became a priest in Rome, Italy, and eventually served as the 19th Pope for a relatively short period of six weeks. During his papacy, Pope Antherus made significant contributions to the Catholic Church. He is credited with starting the Vatican library, a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and collecting documents related to the early martyrs of the faith. Recognizing the importance of preserving these historical records, Antherus sought to ensure their safekeeping for future generations. Additionally, Pope Antherus founded a cemetery on the Appian Way specifically designated for the burial of the poor. This compassionate act demonstrated his commitment to caring for the less fortunate in society and providing them with a dignified resting place. Unfortunately, Pope Antherus's papacy was cut short due to the persecution of Christians under Maximus Thrax. In the face of escalating pressure, Antherus steadfastly refused to surrender court records pertaining to the persecutions. His unwavering commitment to the truth and protecting valuable historical documents resulted in his martyrdom. On January 3, 236, Pope Saint Antherus was beheaded for refusing to relinquish the court records. His body was buried in the catacombs at the Cemetery of Saint Callistus in Rome, Italy. This significant act marked him as the first pope to be buried in the papal crypt, demonstrating his esteemed status within the Church. Saint Antherus's relics, which had been buried for centuries, were eventually rediscovered in 1854. His dedication to the faith and his sacrifice ultimately led to his canonization as a saint, although this occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. While Pope Saint Antherus does not have a specific iconographic representation commonly associated with him, his life and contributions to the Church continue to inspire countless believers. He is honored as a patron saint of Casalbuono and Giaveno, two towns in Italy where his intercession is sought for their respective communities. A comprehensive biography of Pope Saint Antherus reveals a man of deep faith and dedication to the Church. Through his efforts in establishing the Vatican library and the cemetery for the poor, as well as his unwavering resolve in the face of persecution, he left an indelible mark on the Catholic faith. His martyrdom serves as a testament to his commitment to truth and the preservation of historical records, while his canonization immortalizes him as a revered figure within the Catholic Church.