Antipope Dioscorus facts for kids

Dioscorus (died October 14, 530) was an important church leader. He served as a deacon in both the Church of Alexandria and the Roman Church. After Pope Felix IV died, there was a big disagreement about who should be the next pope. Most church leaders chose Dioscorus. However, Pope Felix IV had wanted Boniface II to take his place. Dioscorus died less than a month after his election. This allowed Boniface II to become pope. Because of this, Dioscorus is often called an antipope, meaning someone who claimed to be pope but wasn't officially recognized.

Dioscorus's Early Life and Role

Dioscorus first served as a deacon in the Church of Alexandria. He had to leave Alexandria around 506. This was because he disagreed with a religious idea called Miaphysitism. He then moved to Rome during a time when the church was divided.

Once in Rome, Dioscorus joined the Roman clergy. He quickly became very influential. He is known for helping to convince King Theodoric the Great to accept Pope Symmachus as the rightful pope.

Later, under Pope Hormisdas, Dioscorus worked as a papal apocrisiarius. This was like being a special ambassador for the pope. He went to the court of Emperor Justinian I in Constantinople. His work helped to end the Acacian schism, which was a major split in the church. He also convinced Pope Hormisdas to reject Theopaschism, another religious idea. During the time of Felix IV, Dioscorus was seen as the leader of the group that supported the Byzantine Empire.

The Disputed Papal Election

Pope Felix IV wanted Boniface II to become the next pope. He hoped this would prevent the arguments and riots that had happened when he was chosen. Felix IV also wanted to make sure that the group he supported would stay in control of the papacy.

Popes at that time often informally suggested who should follow them. But Felix IV went further. He issued a special order, called a praeceptum, formally naming Boniface. While sick, he even gave Boniface his pallium, a special church garment. This was on the condition that Boniface would return it if Felix recovered.

However, the Roman Senate was very upset. They felt left out of the process. So, they issued an order. It said that no one should accept the nomination or even talk about it while Pope Felix was alive. Breaking this rule could lead to exile and losing property. Many clergy members also seemed to agree with the Senate's anger.

When Pope Felix died, the election took place on September 22, 530. It happened at the Lateran palace. Most of the church leaders voted for Dioscorus. It is believed that at least 60 Roman priests supported him. However, Boniface's supporters went to another church, the Basilica Julia. There, they elected Boniface.

Dioscorus was recognized as pope by the churches in the East. But the dispute ended quickly. Dioscorus died just three weeks later, on October 14. This left his supporters without a leader. So, Pope Felix's wish came true, and Boniface II became the new pope.

What Happened After

After becoming pope, Boniface II made the clergy who had supported Dioscorus sign a document. This document said they were wrong and condemned Dioscorus's memory.

This document was later destroyed. The Liber Pontificalis, a book about the popes, has different stories about who destroyed it. One part says Pope Agapetus I burned it in front of people. Another part says Boniface II himself burned it.