Pope Anastasius III (120º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy
Pontificate: 14 April 911 –June 913
Anastasius III was the 120th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 14 April 911 –June 913 during the early medieval papacy. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.
Who Was Pope Anastasius III?
This biography of Anastasius III (120º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the early medieval papacy, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Anastasius. Born circa 865 Rome, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Anastasius III reigned during the early Middle Ages, when the papacy navigated the collapse of Roman order in the West, the rise of new kingdoms, and the missionary expansion of Christianity across Europe.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (14 April 911 –June 913) centered on governance during the early medieval papacy.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Anastasius III 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
- 120th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 14 April 911 –June 913
- Shepherded the Church during the early medieval papacy
- Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Anastasius III remains pope 120º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the early medieval papacy, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying Anastasius III helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the early medieval papacy — 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 III followed Pope Sergius III (119º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Lando (121º), 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.