Vigilius is perhaps the clearest case of peaceful and universal recognition in History (cf. Billot, in case of debate whether somebody is the pope or not, peaceful recognition suffices). Vigilius was elected as an antipope in 536 against St SIlverius, whom he starved to death in prison, without him ever retiring by duress or otherwise. After this iniquitous death of the legitimate Pontiff, Vigilius was recognized by the rest of the Church, reigned eighteen years until 555, and became a good Pope, even canonizing his victim. Look up in Caroll, II, p. 171. This is a perfect example of peaceful and universal recognition of an even uncanonically elected pope. (François Chazal, Contra Cekadam [Salve Regina Publications, n.d.], 82)
