Eulalius, Antipope

EULALIO, ANTIPOPE. - Upon the death of Zosimo, which occurred on 27 Dec. 418, the Roman deacons took possession of the basilica of the Laterano, preventing the rest of the clergy from entering, and elected as pontiff their leader E. But the priests assembled in another church elected Bonifacio. Both were consecrated on the following Sunday, 29 Dec. Each of the contenders considered himself the legitimate pope, hence conflicts and struggles that disturbed public tranquillity.

E., supported by the prefect Simmaco, at first also enjoyed imperial favour; but when the party of Bonifacio succeeded in making the Emperor aware of the true state of affairs, a council was summoned at Ravenna for the following Feb., in which it was decided that both contenders should be removed from Rome. Bonifacio obeyed, but E., supported by his followers, attempted during the Easter festivities to seize the Laterano; he was forcibly removed and placed under guard. This deprived him of imperial favour, since

Onorio declared him deprived of the right to the pontificate (414), recognizing Bonifacio as the legitimate pontiff, who shortly afterwards was received in Rome with joyful acclamations. E. was relegated to Campania, where he died in obscurity.