Name:
Felix III
Preceded by: Pope St. Simplicius (468 - 483)
Succeeded by: St. Gelasius I (492 - 496)
Roman Catholic Pope #48

Dates:
Born: ? (Rome, Italy)
Died: March 1, 492
Pope: March 13, 483 - March 1, 492 (8 years, 11 months)

Biography:
Felix III was a very authoritarian pope whose efforts to suppress the Monophysite heresy helped exacerbate the growing schism between East and West, even going so far as to excommunicate the patriarch of Constantinople, Acacius, for appointing a Monophysite bishop to the see of Antioch to replace an orthodox bishop. This particular problem was the first serious breach of unity between East and West, lasting until 519 when the rift was partially healed - although Acacius always just ignored Felix's actions.

There is some confusion about his naming and he is commonly referred to as Felix III (II). This is because, at the time of his election, an earlier antipope by the name of Felix II had not yet been removed from the list of genuine popes. Thus, he had to take the name Felix III. However, since then the antipope has been removed and Felix's status is somewhat unusual.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

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