Pontian (or Pontianus), was pope from July 21, 230 to September 28, 235. A little more is known of Pontian than his predecessors, apparently from a lost papal chronicle that was available to the compiler of the Liberian Catalogue of bishops of Rome, made in the fourth century (Catholic Encyclopedia).

During his pontificate the schism of Hippolytus came to an end. Pontian and other church leaders, among them Hippolytus, were exiled by the emperor Maximinus Thrax to Sardinia, and in consequence of this sentence resigned on September 25 or September 28, 235. It is unknown for how long he stayed in exile, but according to Liber Pontificalis he died due to the inhuman treatment he received in the Sardinian mines. His remains were brought to Rome by Pope Fabian and buried in the Catacomb of Callistus. His epitaph was rediscovered in 1909 in the crypt of St. Cecilia, Rome, near the papal crypt, reading PONTIANOS, EPISK. ("Pontianus, bishop"). The inscripton "MARTUR" ("martyr") had been added in another hand.

His feast day was 19 November, but is now 13 August, sharing it with Antipope Hippolytus.

External link

• Catholic Encyclopedia: Pope St pontain