APPIARIO

APPIARIO. — An unworthy priest of Sicca Veneria (Africa), known for two appeals to Rome. Excommunicated by his bishop, Urbanus, he came to Rome and appealed to Pope Zosimus (418). The latter sent him back to his homeland accompanied by three legates: Faustinus, bishop of Pozzuoli, and Peter, vicar of the City. The Council of Carthage in May 419, having examined the matter, absolved A. but removed him from Sicca. Taking refuge in Tabraca and falling back into further misdeeds, A. was again excommunicated. The unworthy man appealed to Celestine I, who accepted the appeal and once more sent the legate Faustinus to Carthage. A., having confessed his guilt, after three days of stormy conciliar sessions, was definitively condemned (c. 426). Faustinus returned to Rome bearing a very harsh letter from the African plaintiff.