1993 Vatican Documented Theca with Relics of St. Pontian & St. Anterus, Popes & Martyrs
Round glass-fronted yellow-metal reliquary theca with a scalloped openwork border housing first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relics of two early Popes: of Saint Pope Pontian and Saint Pope Anterus. The relics are affixed to small white flower-shaped mounts against a deep-red silk ground and identified in Latin on typeset cedulae labels as S. Pontiani P. M. and S. Anth. P. M. (Saint Pope Pontian, Martyr and Saint Pope Anterus, Martyr). On the back, under the protective cap, the theca is secured by a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vicar General of Rome (1991–2008). The reliquary is accompanied by a matching authentics document issued through the Vicariate of Rome on October 20, 1993, bearing the signature of Bishop Giuseppe Mani, Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, and registration number 486. The document specifies both relics as ex ossibus and identifies both saints as Popes and Martyrs.
Saint Pope Pontian (†235) governed the Church of Rome from 230 to 235. During the persecution of Emperor Maximinus Thrax, he was exiled to Sardinia and condemned to forced labor alongside Hippolytus, with whom he became reconciled. He resigned the papacy to allow the election of a successor and died in exile. His remains were subsequently returned to Rome. Venerated as a martyr since antiquity, he predates formal beatification and canonization procedures. His feast day is August 13.
Saint Pope Anterus (†236) succeeded Pontian on November 21, 235, and governed the Church of Rome until his death on January 3, 236. Of Greek origin, he served during the persecution of Emperor Maximinus Thrax, with a pontificate lasting approximately six weeks. Traditionally commemorated as a martyr, the circumstances of his death remain uncertain. His recognition as a saint arose through ancient Christian veneration rather than formal beatification or canonization. His feast day is January 3.
