Pope Telesphorus
Pope Telesphorus was the bishop of Rome from approximately 126 to 137 AD, during the reigns of Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Traditionally considered the eighth Bishop of Rome after Peter, he is noted for his role in combating Gnosticism and for his martyrdom, which is the earliest attested martyrdom of a pope after Peter.
- Feast Day
- January 2
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He served as bishop of Rome from C. 126 to C. 137.
- ›Telesphorus was of Greek ancestry and born in Thurii, Italy.
- ›He vigorously fought Gnosticism, a prevalent heretical doctrine during his pontificate.
- ›He is credited with celebrating Easter on Sundays and is mentioned in relation to the Easter controversy.
- ›According to Irenaeus, he suffered martyrdom, making his martyrdom the earliest attested after Peter.
- ›He was buried in the Vatican Necropolis.
Τελεσφόρος
Carmelites
About Pope Telesphorus
Pope Telesphorus, of Greek ancestry, served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 126 AD to his death around 137 AD. His pontificate occurred during the reigns of Roman Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Traditionally, he is recognized as the eighth Bishop of Rome in succession after Saint Peter.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Thurii, Italy, Telesphorus had previously been an anchorite monk before assuming the papal office. The historical accounts, particularly from Eusebius, place the start of his pontificate around 128-129 AD and his death in 138-139 AD. Rome during this era was a hub for diverse ideas, attracting many heretics. Telesphorus actively combatted Gnosticism, a prominent heretical doctrine of the time, believing it steered religion away from tangible reality.
Liturgical Traditions and Martyrdom
Several liturgical practices are traditionally attributed to Telesphorus's pontificate. These include the celebration of Christmas Midnight Masses, the consistent observance of Easter on Sundays, a seven-week Lenten period preceding Easter, and the singing of the Gloria. However, historian Johann Peter Kirsch expresses skepticism regarding the authenticity of these attributions as stated in later sources.
Irenaeus, writing around 180 AD, testifies that Telesphorus suffered martyrdom. This makes his martyrdom one of the earliest explicitly attested for a pope after Peter. He was interred in the Vatican Necropolis, next to his predecessors. His feast day is observed on January 2 in the Roman Martyrology and on February 22 in the Eastern churches.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Telesphorus?
Pope Telesphorus was the bishop of Rome from approximately 126 to 137 AD. He is traditionally considered the eighth pope in succession after Saint Peter.
What is Pope Telesphorus known for?
He is known for his role in combating Gnosticism during his pontificate and for his martyrdom, which is the earliest attested martyrdom of a pope after Peter. He is also traditionally associated with the introduction of several liturgical practices.
When did Pope Telesphorus live and reign?
He served as bishop of Rome from approximately 126 to 137 AD, during the reigns of Roman Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius.
Was Pope Telesphorus a martyr?
Yes, according to the testimony of Irenaeus, Telesphorus suffered martyrdom. This makes his martyrdom the earliest attested of a pope after Peter.
What liturgical traditions are attributed to Pope Telesphorus?
Traditions attributed to his pontificate include the celebration of Easter on Sundays, the keeping of a seven-week Lent before Easter, the singing of the Gloria, and the tradition of Christmas Midnight Masses. However, some historians question the authenticity of these attributions.
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