Sixtus II
Pope Sixtus II, bishop of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258, was a Greek figure martyred during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian. He is known for restoring relations with African and Eastern churches and is venerated as a saint and martyr.
Key Facts
- ›Bishop of Rome from August 31, 257, to August 6, 258.
- ›Believed by some to be of Greek origin and formerly a philosopher.
- ›Re-established communion with churches that had broken ties over the issue of heretical baptism.
- ›Martyred on August 6, 258, during the persecution under Emperor Valerian.
- ›Died alongside seven deacons, including Lawrence of Rome.
- ›His tomb was honored with an inscription by Pope Damasus I.
Xystus II
- Restored Relations With African and Eastern Churches Broken Off By His Predecessor.
- Was One of the First Victims of the Persecution Under Emperor Valerian.
- Was Beheaded Along With Seven Deacons.
Emperor Valerian, Lawrence of Rome, Novatianism, Pope Damasus I, Catacomb of Callixtus
About Sixtus II
Pope Sixtus II
Pope Sixtus II, also known as Xystus II, served as the bishop of Rome from August 31, 257, until his death on August 6, 258. His pontificate occurred during a period of significant Christian persecution under the Roman Emperor Valerian.
Life and Historical Context
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Sixtus II was of Greek origin and had a background as a philosopher. However, modern historians question this, suggesting a possible confusion with a contemporary Greek Pythagorean philosopher named Xystus. A key action during his papacy was the restoration of relations with the African and Eastern churches, which had been severed by his predecessor over the theological dispute concerning the validity of baptism administered by heretics, particularly in relation to Novatianism.
Sixtus II became one of the earliest prominent victims of the intensified persecution initiated by Emperor Valerian in 258. He was beheaded on August 6, 258, alongside seven deacons. Among these deacons was Lawrence of Rome, who suffered martyrdom just four days later. The inscription on Sixtus II's tomb in the catacomb of Callixtus, placed by Pope Damasus I, vividly recounts his steadfastness and his willingness to face martyrdom before allowing harm to his flock.
Legacy
Sixtus II is recognized as a saint and martyr within the Catholic Church. He is named in the Roman Canon of the Mass. Historically, he, along with deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus, was commemorated on August 6, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in the Tridentine calendar. This commemoration was later moved to August 7 in the General Roman Calendar after 1969, following the abolition of commemorations in that position. While some scholars suggest he may be the author of the pseudo-Cyprianic writing Ad Novatianum, this attribution is not widely accepted. However, another composition written in Rome between 253 and 258 is generally agreed to be his.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Sixtus II serve as Pope?
Pope Sixtus II served as the bishop of Rome from August 31, 257, until his death on August 6, 258.
How did Pope Sixtus II die?
Pope Sixtus II was beheaded on August 6, 258, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian. He is considered a martyr.
What significant action is Pope Sixtus II known for during his papacy?
Sixtus II is credited with restoring relations with the African and Eastern churches, which had been broken off by his predecessor over the issue of heretical baptism.
Who was martyred with Pope Sixtus II?
Pope Sixtus II was martyred along with seven deacons, including Lawrence of Rome, Vincentius, Magnus, Stephanus, Felicissimus, and Agapitus.
What is the origin of Pope Sixtus II?
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Sixtus II was Greek and formerly a philosopher, though this is disputed by modern historians who suggest he may have been confused with another contemporary figure.
Related Popes
Vitalian
Pope Vitalian served as the bishop of Rome from 657 to 672, a pontificate marked by significant disputes over Monothelitism with the imperial government in Constantinople. He maintained a conciliatory relationship with Emperor Constans II, despite the secession of the Archbishopric of Ravenna from papal authority during his reign.
Caius
Pope Caius, also known as Gaius, served as the bishop of Rome from 17 December 283 until his death on 22 April 296. Little is definitively known about his pontificate, with much information derived from the Liber Pontificalis and legendary accounts. Tradition suggests he was martyred during a period of increasing anti-Christian measures, though the exact circumstances and his martyrdom are debated.
Callixtus I
Callixtus I, also known as Callistus I, served as the Bishop of Rome from approximately 218 to his death around 222 or 223 AD, during the reigns of Roman emperors Elagabalus and Alexander Severus. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Catholic Church, particularly as the patron saint of cemetery workers. His pontificate saw the establishment of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus as a significant burial ground for popes and the controversial admission of converts from schisms into the Church.