When was Pope Anastasius II pope?

Anastasius II reigned as the 50th pope from 24 November 496 –19 November 498, during the apostolic and patristic Church.

What number pope was Anastasius II?

Anastasius II was pope 50º — the 50th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Anastasius II remembered for?

Anastasius II served the Church during the apostolic and patristic Church (24 November 496 –19 November 498). Roman citizen of Greek descent, later a subject of the(Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy.

Who came before and after Pope Anastasius II?

Anastasius II (50º) succeeded Pope St. Gelasius I (49º) and was followed by Pope St. Symmachus (51º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Anastasius II (50º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Anastasius II was the 50th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 24 November 496 –19 November 498 during the apostolic and patristic Church. Earliest pope not canonized by either the Latin Church or the Eastern Church.

Who Was Pope Anastasius II?

This biography of Anastasius II (50º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the apostolic and patristic Church, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.

Early Life & Background

Born Rome, Italy, Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church. Roman citizen of Greek descent, later a subject of the(Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy.

Historical Context

Anastasius II shepherded the Church when Christianity was still an outlawed or barely tolerated faith in the Roman Empire. Papal records from this era are scarce, but tradition and archaeology preserve the memory of these earliest successors of St. Peter. Tried to end the Acacian schism, but it resulted in the Laurentian schism.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (24 November 496 –19 November 498) centered on governance during the apostolic and patristic Church.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Anastasius II left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.

Key Highlights

50th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 24 November 496 –19 November 498
Tried to end the Acacian schism, but it resulted in the Laurentian schism.
Earliest pope not canonized by either the Latin Church or the Eastern Church.

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Anastasius II remains pope 50º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the apostolic and patristic Church, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Studying Anastasius II helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the apostolic and patristic Church — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.

Place in the Line of Succession

Anastasius II followed Pope St. Gelasius I (49º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope St. Symmachus (51º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.