Pope Saint Soter
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| Pope Saint Soter | |
| Feast Day | April 22 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Catholic Church in Corinth |
| Birthplace | Fondi, Latium, Roman Empire (now Italy) |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Pope Saint Soter (Latin: Soterius Romanus; died c. 174 AD) was the bishop of Rome from c. 166 to c. 174 AD, succeeding Pope Anicetus and preceding Pope Eleutherius, during a period of relative peace following the persecutions under Marcus Aurelius.[1] According to early Church records in the Liber Pontificalis and Eusebius's Church History, Soter, born in Fondi, Campania (Latium), was noted for his charitable works, sending alms and letters of encouragement to persecuted communities in Corinth and elsewhere, and for affirming the validity of marriage as a sacrament, though this attribution is debated among scholars.[2] His pontificate addressed emerging heresies like Montanism, with correspondence to Dionysius of Corinth praising Soter's orthodoxy and generosity.[3] Little else is known of his administration, which focused on maintaining unity amid theological tensions.
Venerated as a saint in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, Soter's feast day is April 22, commemorating his role as a confessor pope in the sub-apostolic era.[4] As an early pope, he underwent no formal canonization process, with recognition through ancient Church approval by the 4th century. While primary sources like Dionysius's letter confirm his charity, hagiographic traditions elaborate on martyrdom or visions, which cannot be verified and likely confuse him with other Soters. Evidence from patristic citations by Eusebius positions him as a bridge in Roman primacy during the Montanist crisis, though his historical footprint remains faint in Catholic tradition.
Biography
Birth
Pope Saint Soter was born in Fondi, Campania (Latium region), Roman Empire (now Italy), in the mid-2nd century, though exact date remains unknown.[5] Hagiographic tradition holds a pious Roman family, but this cannot be confirmed by primary sources. Probabilistic inferences from 2nd-century Latium suggest upbringing in a Christianizing provincial town.
No baptismal records exist; early life details are unavailable.
Early Life
Soter likely received clerical formation in Rome, rising through diaconal ranks under Anicetus amid Montanist stirrings.[6] Evidence from Eusebius indicates his involvement in Corinthian correspondence. As a deacon, he assisted in almsgiving.
His early life prepared pastoral leadership.
Occupation
Soter's occupation was papal governance, elected c. 166 AD, reigning eight years until c. 174.[7] He sent aid to Corinth and condemned heresies. Historical letters from Dionysius praise his orthodoxy.
This role sustained Church unity.
Vocation
Soter's vocation as confessor-pope emphasized charity and doctrine during relative peace.[8] Hagiographic martyrdom unverifiable. His calling bridged persecution eras.
Death
Pope Saint Soter met his end by natural causes c. 174 AD in Rome.[9] Buried in papal crypt.
Significant events
- Elected Pope succeeding Anicetus (c. 166 AD).[10]
- Corresponded with Dionysius of Corinth (c. 170 AD).[10]
- Sent alms to persecuted churches (c. 170 AD).[10]
- Died in Rome (c. 174 AD).[10]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Fondi, Latium, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
Notable location: Church of San Gregorio Magno al Celio (papal tradition site) (Via di San Gregorio 30, 00193 Rome, Italy)
Notable location: St. Peter's Basilica (papal burial tradition) (Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City)
Notable location: New York dedication for early popes (St. Catherine of Siena Church, 104 W 68th St, New York, NY 10023, United States)
Notable location:
Notable location:
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Parishes
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Church of San Soter
- Early Christian church in Rome associated with his cult, serving as a devotional site under Canon 1230 by the Diocese of Rome for early pope veneration and historical Masses, though ruins remain.
- Pilgrimage details: Rome, Italy; ancient; April 22 liturgies; Diocese of Rome.
- Facts: "Linked to his charity; titular church tradition."
Canonization
Servant of God
As an early pope, no formal Servant of God stage applies; veneration began post-death c. 174 AD.
Venerable
Not applicable.
Beatification
No beatification; cult approved early.
Canonization
Canonized through ancient recognition by the universal Church, with inclusion in martyrologies by 4th century.
Miracles
As an early pope, no authenticated miracles required; traditions note charitable graces.[11] Devotion focuses on unity.
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable.
Other notable miracles
- Aid to Corinthian persecuted, per Dionysius.[10]
Patronage
Pope Saint Soter is the patron saint of the Catholic Church in Corinth.
Feast day
April 22
Veneration
Pope Saint Soter is venerated through early pope liturgies. Relics are unavailable. Pope Saint Soter has been depicted in papal lists. Literature and media often portray Pope Saint Soter in sub-apostolic histories. Relics and shrines dedicated to Pope Saint Soter are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing cultural or religious events such as Rome's pope commemorations.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
Letters to Dionysius of Corinth.
External links
References
- ↑ "Saint Soter". https://www.britannica.com/biography/St-Soter.
- ↑ "Sts. Caius and Soter". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/sts-caius-and-soter-449.
- ↑ "Pope Soter". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Soter.
- ↑ "Saint of the Day – St Pope Soter (Died c 174) Martyr". https://anastpaul.com/2018/04/22/saint-of-the-day-st-pope-soter-died-c-174/.
- ↑ "Sts. Caius and Soter". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/sts-caius-and-soter-449.
- ↑ "Pope Soter". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Soter.
- ↑ "Saint of the Day – St Pope Soter (Died c 174) Martyr". https://anastpaul.com/2018/04/22/saint-of-the-day-st-pope-soter-died-c-174/.
- ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Soter". https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04012c.htm.
- ↑ "Sts. Caius and Soter". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/sts-caius-and-soter-449.
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