Pope Zephyrinus was the 15th pope of the Church and chose the name Zephyrinus in honor of his birth name. With a reign that lasted for more than 18 years, he had one of the longest papacies in the early history of the Church.
The pope faced opposition from many people and underwent extreme suffering, which is why he’s recognized as a martyr. You can use this article to learn about his long tenure and eventual martyrdom.
Early Life
The Church knows almost nothing about the early life of Zephyrinus. He was born circa 160 AD and spent his early days and later years in Rome. Historians believe that he was likely an administrative worker and did not have the formal training and education that other popes had. This was due to Hippolytus who claimed that the pope was a simple man. Natalius would step up at some point in 199 and become the antipope.
Papacy
Zephyrinus faced opposition from the antipope and others at the time. Though he had a strong understanding of the Church and its policies, he didn’t have as much experience talking to the public. One of the earliest things he did was offer to support the future Pope Callixtus. Callixtus was a slave at the time and sent to work in the mines after his second arrest. When he heard of the man’s sufferings, the pope offered to give him a pension until he could get back on his feet again.
Opposition and Persecution
As the pope, Zephyrinus was forced to deal with Emperor Severus who was against the Church’s teachings. The emperor engaged in the persecution of Christians for more than a decade after Zephyrinus became the pope. He became known as a defender because of how often he spoke out against heretics and others. The emperor would eventually release a decree that forbid the Church from converting others.
The End of the Antipope
The issues between the pope and the antipope came to an abrupt end when Natalius was persecuted by the emperor and his men. He claimed that he had visions where angels warned him about his beliefs and encouraged him to return to the Church. After a harrowing dream in which angels beat him for several hours, he repented for his sins and begged the pope to forgive him. This was likely one of the last things that Zephyrinus did before he died.
Martyrdom
Zephyrinus was not a martyr in the traditional sense of the world. Rather than killing him for his beliefs, his opponents made his life extremely difficult, which led to his death at around the age of 57. The Church built a special place for his body in the Cemetery of Callixtus and had his body sent there a few days after his death.
Quick Facts About Pope Zephyrinus
- He was born in Rome and given the same name he used during his papacy.
- Though the Church does not know his exact date of birth, he was born circa 160 AD.
- Pope Zephyrinus died on December 20, 217.
- Though he died from natural causes, it was likely due to the physical and mental stress he experienced during his papacy.
- His papacy began sometime in 199, often listed as July 28.
- Zephyrinus ended his papacy when he passed away on December 20, 217.
- His successor to the papal throne was Pope Saint Callixtus I.
Interesting Facts About Pope Zephyrinus
- The General Roman Calendar listed the Feast of St. Zephyrinus on August 26 and celebrated him as both a martyr and a pope. During the 1969 revision of that calendar, the date was removed because the pope was not an official martyr. The Catholic Church now recognizes him as a saint and lists his feast day on December 20.
- Pope Saint Zephyrinus reigned for more than 18 years, which is a record that no other pope before him beat. It wasn’t until Pope Sylvester ruled from 314 to 335 that anyone would beat his record.
- An early illustration depicts Pope Zephyrinus standing with the papal crown on his head and the official staff in his hand. A follower bows before him, showing the conversions that he did.
- Natalius claimed that Pope Zephyrinus was a modalist and that he believed the Holy Trinity were three ways in which God spoke to and reached out to people. The antipope believed that the Holy Trinity referred to three separate entities.
- After creating a pension for Callixtus, the pope became close friends with the man and watched as he became a strong leader within the Church. This encouraged bishops to name Callixtus as the next pope.