Pope Sixtus II
Pope Sixtus II was the bishop of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258. He is remembered as a martyr who was beheaded during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian. Sixtus II played a role in restoring relations with the African and Eastern churches.
- Feast Day
- August 6
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Greece
Key Facts
- ›He served as bishop of Rome from August 31, 257, to August 6, 258.
- ›Sixtus II was killed along with seven deacons during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian.
- ›He restored relations with the African and Eastern churches, which had been broken off by his predecessor.
- ›Sixtus II was beheaded on August 6, 258, and is considered one of the first victims of Valerian's persecution.
- ›He is commemorated by name in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
- ›His memorial was moved to August 7 in the General Roman Calendar after 1969.
Pope Xystus II
About 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. He is primarily remembered as a martyr, killed during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian.
Life and Historical Context
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Sixtus II was Greek and a former philosopher, though this is disputed by modern historians who suggest a potential confusion with a contemporary Greek author of Pythagoreanism. During his papacy, Sixtus II played a significant role in restoring diplomatic relations with the African and Eastern churches. These relationships had been strained by his predecessor over the theological question of heretical baptism, a prominent issue due to the heresy of Novatianism.
Martyrdom
Sixtus II was one of the early victims of the intensified persecutions under Emperor Valerian in 258. He was beheaded on August 6, 258, and martyred alongside six deacons: Januarius, Vincentius, Magnus, Stephanus, Felicissimus, and Agapitus. His most renowned deacon, Lawrence of Rome, a figure of significant historical importance, suffered martyrdom four days later, on August 10.
Legacy
Sixtus II is explicitly named in the Roman Canon of the Mass. In the Tridentine calendar, he, Felicissimus, and Agapitus were commemorated on August 6, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. This commemoration remained until 1969 when, following the abolition of certain commemorations, the memorial of Sixtus "and his companions" was relocated to August 7. An inscription honoring Sixtus was later placed on his tomb in the catacomb of Callixtus by Pope Damasus I, recounting his martyrdom and pastoral guidance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Sixtus II live and serve?
Pope Sixtus II served as the bishop of Rome from August 31, 257, until his death on August 6, 258. He lived during the 3rd century.
How did Pope Sixtus II die?
Pope Sixtus II was beheaded on August 6, 258, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian. He is considered one of the first victims of this persecution.
Who was martyred with Pope Sixtus II?
Pope Sixtus II was martyred along with six deacons: Januarius, Vincentius, Magnus, Stephanus, Felicissimus, and Agapitus. His best-known deacon, Lawrence of Rome, was martyred four days later.
What was Pope Sixtus II's role in church relations?
Sixtus II is credited with restoring relations with the African and Eastern churches, which had been disrupted by his predecessor over the issue of heretical baptism.
Where is Pope Sixtus II commemorated?
Sixtus II is referred to by name in the Roman Canon of the Mass. His feast day, formerly commemorated with Felicissimus and Agapitus on August 6, was moved to August 7 as a memorial of 'Sixtus and his companions'.
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