Pope Lucius I
Pope Lucius I was the bishop of Rome from 253 to 254 AD. He was banished shortly after his consecration but later permitted to return. He is remembered for condemning the Novationists and for his prudent actions during a difficult period, although he was mistakenly classified as a martyr in later traditions.
- Feast Day
- March 5
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He served as bishop of Rome from June 25, 253, until his death on March 5, 254.
- ›Lucius was born in Rome, and his father's name was Porphyrianus.
- ›He was elected during a persecution that led to the banishment of his predecessor, Cornelius.
- ›Lucius himself was banished soon after his consecration but was allowed to return.
- ›He is praised by Cyprian for condemning the Novationists' refusal to readmit lapsed Christians to communion.
- ›He did not suffer martyrdom, as the persecution of Valerian began after his death.
About Pope Lucius I
Pope Lucius I was the bishop of Rome from June 25, 253, to his death on March 5, 254. His pontificate was brief and occurred during a time of significant persecution for Christians.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Rome, Lucius I's father was named Porphyrianus. His election as pope took place amidst the persecution that had led to the banishment of his predecessor, Cornelius. Soon after his own consecration, Lucius I was also banished, but he was subsequently permitted to return to Rome.
Veneration and Historical Misconceptions
Lucius I is commemorated on March 5. He is described in the Roman Martyrology as having suffered exile for his faith and acted as an outstanding confessor with moderation and prudence. However, he did not suffer martyrdom. The persecution by Emperor Valerian, during which he was mistakenly classified as a martyr, began after Lucius I's death in March 254. His feast day was inserted into the General Roman Calendar in 1602 and later reduced to a commemoration. In the 1969 revision of the calendar, his feast was omitted from the General Roman Calendar, partly due to the baselessness of his title as "martyr."
Tomb and Relics
Lucius I's tombstone remains in the catacomb of Callixtus. His relics were later moved to the church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. His head is preserved in a reliquary in St. Ansgar's Cathedral in Copenhagen, Denmark, having been brought to Roskilde around 1100. However, modern research using carbon dating has cast doubt on the authenticity of this relic, suggesting the skull belonged to someone who lived much later than Lucius I.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Lucius I the bishop of Rome?
Pope Lucius I served as the bishop of Rome from June 25, 253, until his death on March 5, 254.
Was Pope Lucius I a martyr?
No, Pope Lucius I was mistakenly classified as a martyr. The persecution of Emperor Valerian, during which he was said to have been martyred, began after his death in March 254.
What is Pope Lucius I remembered for?
He is remembered for condemning the Novationists for their stance on readmitting repentant lapsed Christians. He is praised for his moderation and prudence during difficult times.
Where is Pope Lucius I buried?
Pope Lucius I is buried in the cemetery of Callistus on the Via Appia in Rome. His tombstone is still extant in the catacomb of Callixtus.
What happened to Pope Lucius I's relics?
His relics were later brought to the church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. His head is preserved in a reliquary in St. Ansgar's Cathedral in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Related Saints
Ciarán of Saigir
Ciarán of Saigir was an Irish saint, considered one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and the first saint born in Ireland. He is known as the bishop of Saighir and the patron saint of the diocese of Ossory, with his feast day celebrated on March 5th.
Carthage the Elder
Saint Carthage the Elder was an Irish bishop and abbot in the sixth century, primarily known as a disciple and successor of Ciaran of Saighir. He is also recognized as the tutor and fosterer of the more famous Saint Carthage of Lismore. His penitential pilgrimage and subsequent founding of monasteries mark his significant contributions to Irish monasticism.
Oliva of Brescia
Saint Oliva was a Christian martyr martyred under Emperor Hadrian. Her relics are venerated at Saint Afra's Church in Brescia, and her feast day is celebrated on March 5th.