St. Soter

St. Soter (born, Fondi, Latium [Italy]—died c. 175, Rome; feast day April 22) was the pope from about 166 to about 175.

Succeeding St. Anicetus as pope, Soter sent a letter and alms to the church of Corinth, whose bishop, St. Dionysius, replied in a letter that acknowledged Soter’s affection and theological advice. Soter continued Pope Anicetus’s attack against Montanism, a heresy that emphasized prophecy and rigid moral norms. Although no account of Soter’s death survives, he is honoured as a martyr. He was succeeded by St. Eleutherius.