Silverius was the bishop of Rome from 536 to 537. Born in Frosinone to Pope Hormisdas, his rapid ascent from the rank of deacon to the papacy was facilitated by the Ostrogothic king Theodahad, who sought a pro-Gothic candidate during a period of intense political tension. His brief reign ended when he was deposed by the Byzantine general Belisarius following accusations of conspiring with the Goths. After being stripped of his vestments, he was sent into exile on the island of Palmarola, where he died of starvation.