Pope Pontian

Pontian or Pontian (Latin: the bridge man, † 235) was 230-235 Bishop of Rome.

During his pontificate the schism of Hippolytus came to its end. Pontian and other church leaders, including anti-bishop Hippolytus, were sent by Emperor Maximinus Thrax to Sardinia exiled and imprisoned there in a mine.

Because of this penalty Pontian resigned on 28 September 235. The date of his resignation is the earliest detectable exact date of papal history. In the same year died Pontianus result of the inhumane treatment that he learned in the mines of Sardinia. His remains were transferred by Bishop Fabian to Rome and buried in St. Callistus catacombs. Pontian is commonly venerated as the first martyr pope and a saint. His feast day is August 13 ( burial date in the St. Callistus catacombs ).