Laurentius

Laurentius and pope, lived about 460-520. He was archdeacon of a Chlurch in Rome, and was opposed to Symmachus who in 498 was elected successor of Anastasius II in the papal chair. This schism created much disturbance in the city, Festus and Probinus, two of the most influential senators, siding with Laurentius. Both parties finally agreed to submit their difficulty to the decision of Theodoric, king of the Goths, though an Arian. He decided in favor of Symmachus, and Laurentins, having withdrawn his claim, was made bishop of Nocera. But as he subsequently created new disturbances, and was, whether justly or unjustly is not known accused of Eutvchianism, he was deposed by the Synodus Palmaris (501), and died an exile. See Anastasius, Vita Pontif.; Baronius, Annales; Plotina, Vita Pontif.: Roman.; Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, 19:927. (J.N.P.)