Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus

Aug 13

Patron Saint of Montaldo Scarampi, Italy (St. Pontian) and Prison Guards (St. Hippolytus)

Pope Pontain was elected pope in 230. At the same time, Hippolytus was the first antipope, causing a schism.

Both were banished to the island of Sardinia by the emperor Maximinus the Thracian in his persecution of the church.

Pope Pontain resigned his holy office to allow a new pope to be elected, so the church would not be without a leader.

At some point, Pontain and Hippolytus were reconciled, ending the schism and allowing Hippolytus back into the church.

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