Written by Guide Catholic
Pope St. Anterus (19º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy
Pontificate: 21 November 235 –3 January 236 · Origin: Petilia Policasto, Italy, Roman Empire · Birth name: Anterus
St. Anterus was the 19th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 21 November 235 –3 January 236 during the apostolic and patristic Church. Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint.
Who Was Pope Anterus?
Among the 267 popes, Anterus is number 19, remembered for the years 21 November 235 –3 January 236 in the apostolic and patristic Church. Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Use the sections below to move from a one-line summary of Anterus to a usable historical and spiritual picture. Catholics also honor him as a saint whose intercession remains part of living devotion.
Early Life & Background
Born Petelia, Italia, Roman Empire, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Anterus (#undefined) shepherded Christians when the faith was still illegal or barely tolerated inside the Roman Empire; records are thin, yet tradition preserves these earliest successors of St. Peter.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (21 November 235 –3 January 236) centered on governance during the apostolic and patristic Church. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Acts associated with Anterus (#19, 21 November 235 –3 January 236) still draw historians and Catholics who want more than a one-line summary. His reign remains a link in the succession now counted at 267 popes.
Key Highlights
- 19th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 21 November 235 –3 January 236
- Venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
- Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
St. Anterus remains pope 19º in the Annuario Pontificio. The Church still points to Anterus's virtues for imitation. Set against the apostolic and patristic Church, Anterus's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Place Anterus on your mental map: 19º successor of Peter, reigning 21 November 235 –3 January 236, formed by the apostolic and patristic Church. Because the Church venerates Anterus, you may seek his intercession and check his feast in the Martyrology or local calendar. Begin with this documented note: Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Compare Anterus with the biographies of his predecessor and successor linked below to see reform, rupture, or quiet continuity.
Place in the Line of Succession
St. Anterus followed Pope St. Pontian (18º, 21 July 230 –28 September 235) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope St. Fabian (20º, 10 January 236 –20 January 250), whose biography continues the chain on Guide Catholic. For the full chronological map, see our complete list of all 267 popes — then read neighboring biographies for contrast, not only continuity.