St. Cornelius
Pope and Martyr
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Italy
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Priest
- Birth:
- 251
- Feast Day:
- Sep 16
- Death:
- 253
Saint Details
St. Cornelius was a pivotal figure in early Christianity, serving as Pope from 251 to 253 AD. Born in Rome around 180 AD, he was elected to the papacy during a period of relative calm following the Decian persecution, which had left the Church leadership in disarray after the martyrdom of Pope Fabian. Cornelius's papacy was marked by his efforts to maintain Church unity and address the issue of lapsed Christians—those who had denied their faith under duress.
Cornelius faced significant opposition from Novatian, a Roman priest who disagreed with the Pope's stance on reconciling lapsed Christians. Novatian declared himself antipope, leading to a schism within the Church. Despite this challenge, Cornelius was supported by prominent figures like St. Cyprian of Carthage. Cornelius worked to establish practices for reconciling those who had fallen away, emphasizing the importance of penance and forgiveness.
In 253, as persecution resumed under Emperor Decius, Cornelius was exiled to Centumcellae, where he died, either from hardships or execution. His legacy as a martyr and defender of Church unity has endured. Cornelius's feast day is celebrated on September 16, and he is remembered for his leadership and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Church. He was formally recognized as a saint, though the exact date of canonization is not specified in historical records.
Associated Holy Sites
Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major
P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy
Propsteikirche St. Cornelius
Benediktuspl. 3, 52076 Aachen, Germany
Catacombe di San Callisto
Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma RM, Italy
Details for: Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major
The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, located in Rome, is one of the four major basilicas of the Catholic Church and holds immense religious significance. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is believed to have been built following a miraculous snowfall in August, which inspired its construction in the 5th century. Pilgrims visit this sacred site to honor Mary, often referred to as Our Lady of the Snows, and to seek spiritual solace. The basilica houses revered relics, including a fragment of the Holy Crib of Jesus, making it a focal point for devotion and prayer. Its stunning architecture, adorned with mosaics and art, reflects centuries of faith and tradition. As a papal basilica, it is directly under the jurisdiction of the Pope, further emphasizing its importance in the Catholic world. Pilgrims from around the globe come to experience its spiritual atmosphere and to participate in its rich liturgical traditions. The site remains a testament to the enduring devotion to Mary and the Church’s heritage.
🙏 No spam. Just grace. Unsubscribe anytime.