Pope Saint Eleutherius
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| Pope Saint Eleutherius | |
| Feast Day | May 26 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Nicomedia, Bithynia, Roman Empire (tradition) |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (disputed tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Pope Saint Eleutherius (also Eleutherus; died c. 189 AD) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the thirteenth bishop of Rome after Saint Peter, serving from c. 174 to 189 AD, thus the thirteenth pope.[1] He appears in the earliest papal catalogues of Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180) and the Liber Pontificalis, and Eusebius of Caesarea, which give him a fifteen-year pontificate.[2]
Historical evidence for Eleutherius is very limited. Irenaeus mentions only his name and succession. The Liber Pontificalis (6th century) claims he was a Greek deacon from Nicomedia, received a letter from King Lucius of Britain requesting conversion (a legend now rejected by scholars), and sent missionaries Fugatius and Damianus—details considered wholly unhistorical.[3] Later sources allege martyrdom under Hadrian or Commodus, but no contemporary evidence supports this, and most modern historians regard his death as peaceful. As an ancient pope, his veneration began in the early Church without formal canonization processes; his feast is 26 May in the Roman Calendar.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Eleutherius. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was Greek, born in Nicomedia to a father named Habundius, but this information cannot be verified and is considered legendary.
Vocation
Eleutherius’ pontificate coincided with the reign of Marcus Aurelius and the early Commodus era, a time of relative calm for the Roman Church. He is associated with the controversy over Montanism, though the extent of his involvement is uncertain.
Death
Saint Eleutherius died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 189 AD. The Roman Martyrology describes him as a martyr, but no contemporary source confirms violent death; modern scholarship considers natural causes probable.[4]
Saint Eleutherius met his end peacefully, though later tradition describes martyrdom.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Soter as bishop of Rome (c. 174–189 AD), according to the earliest papal lists.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
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Shrines
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Canonization
As an ancient bishop of Rome, Saint Eleutherius was venerated from the earliest centuries without formal canonization processes. His name appears in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) and the Roman Martyrology.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles are recorded for Saint Eleutherius.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Eleutherius.
Feast day
May 26
Veneration
Saint Eleutherius is venerated as the thirteenth pope with a memorial on 26 May. His name is included in the Roman Canon.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Eleutherius". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05364b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Eleutherius". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_eleuterio_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Eleutherius". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=44.
- ↑ "St. Eleutherius". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=44.