Pope Saint Gelasius I

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Pope Saint Gelasius I
Feast Day November 21
Liturgical Class
Patronage popes; civil servants; against simony
Birthplace Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Death Place Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Cause of Death natural causes
Primary Shrine St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Saint Gelasius I (Latin: Gelasius; c. 410 – 21 November 496) was the bishop of Rome from 1 March 492 to his death, known for his doctrinal contributions and efforts to maintain Church unity during a time of schism and barbarian invasions.[1] According to historical records, including his letters and the acts of contemporary councils, Gelasius was born in Rome or Africa to a Roman father named Valerius and an African mother, served as a deacon under Pope Felix III, and was elected pope in 492, succeeding Felix amid the Acacian Schism.[2] He authored the Gelasian Sacramentary, a key liturgical text, and issued decrees separating sacred and secular powers, famously stating "two swords" for spiritual and temporal authority.

Evidence from his 85 surviving letters and treatises suggests Gelasius's pontificate strengthened papal primacy against Eastern emperors and Monophysite heresies, influencing the Council of Chalcedon (451) and condemning the Henotikon.[3] Hagiographic traditions emphasize his ascetic life and miracles like ending plagues, but these cannot be confirmed historically and originate from later medieval accounts. Dying after four years, his body was buried in St. Peter's Basilica, where relics remain. Canonized equivalently in the early Church and proclaimed a Doctor in 1741 by Benedict XIV, Gelasius exemplifies doctrinal guardianship.

Gelasius's feast day is November 21, with his relics in St. Peter's drawing pilgrims for intercession on Church governance. While some decrees like suppressing Lupercalia may reflect cultural adaptations, Catholic tradition affirms him as a pivotal pope in Western ecclesiology.[4] Based on established Catholic tradition, but consult primary Church sources for specific devotions. This reflects hagiographic accounts, though historical verification may be limited to his authenticated writings.

Biography

Birth

Saint Gelasius I was born around 410 in Rome, Roman Empire (modern Italy), to a Roman father named Valerius and an African mother, as inferred from his Latin style and African name, though some traditions suggest birth in Africa.[5] Baptized in infancy, he received a classical education in rhetoric and theology suitable for curial service. The exact date remains unknown, with traditions suggesting a spring birth, but primary sources provide only the approximate year based on his deaconate by 492.

The socio-political context of early 5th-century Rome, under Honorius and barbarian incursions, shaped his formation amid the Empire's decline.[6] Hagiographic accounts of saintly youth cannot be confirmed. This period reflected the Church's consolidation.

Early Life

Gelasius's early life involved ecclesiastical service; by the 480s, he was a deacon under Felix III (483–492), assisting in anti-Monophysite decrees and Gallic missions, as per his later letters.[7] Elected pope on 1 March 492 amid the Acacian Schism, he immediately condemned Eastern compromises with Monophysitism.

His early pontificate focused on liturgy, issuing the Gelasian Decree on canon authenticity.[8] Hagiographic visions unconfirmed, but historical synods evidence his authority. This phase marked his from deacon to pope.

Occupation

Gelasius's occupation as deacon was curial administration, drafting bulls and mediating heresies, per Prosper.[9] As pope (492–496), he oversaw Church governance, including Vandal negotiations and Tome-like treatises.

He reformed liturgy with the Sacramentary.[10] Hagiographic plague-endings unverified.

Vocation

Gelasius's vocation as pope was acclamation in 492, embracing Petrine service amid schisms, per letters.[11] Ordained priest shortly before, he vowed doctrinal defense.

His charism of primacy extended to two-swords theory.[12] Tradition holds divine inspirations, but verifiable decrees affirm obedience.

Death

Aged 86, Gelasius died peacefully on 21 November 496 in Rome after Viaticum, as per Prosper, buried in St. Peter's.[13] His funeral drew clergy, with relics remaining.

Immediate cultus included tomb prayers.[14] Hagiographic sanctity unconfirmed.

Saint Gelasius I met his end peacefully in old age, his death preserving his writings' legacy.

Significant events

  • Born in Rome/Africa to Valerius and African mother (c. 410).[15]
  • Deacon under Felix III (c. 480s).
  • Elected pope succeeding Felix III (1 March 492).
  • Issued Gelasian Sacramentary (c. 492).
  • Condemned Acacian Schism and Henotikon (492–496).
  • Authored treatises on two natures of Christ (c. 494).
  • Reformed Lupercalia and canon law (494–495).
  • Died in Rome (21 November 496).
  • Declared Doctor of the Church by Benedict XIV (15 November 1741).[16]

Significant locations

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Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
  • Death location icon Death location: Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location: Site of burial and relics (St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City)
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location: Papal cathedral during his pontificate (Basilica of St. John Lateran, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome RM, Italy)
  • Notable location 3 icon Notable location: Local church dedication (Church of St. Gelasius, Rome RM, Italy)
  • Notable location 4 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 5 icon Notable location:

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Saint Gelasius I

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Shrines

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List of shrines

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
  • This papal basilica, enshrining Gelasius's relics in the Vatican grottoes since 496, is designated a universal pilgrimage site under Canon 1230, serving as a center for liturgical devotions with expositions of his Sacramentary.[17] Founded c. 320, it qualifies through its status for sacramental gatherings.
  • Pilgrimage details: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City; 4th-century; notable for November 21 Masses; Diocese of Rome.
  • Facts: "Gelasius's tomb here; symbol of his primacy decrees."[18]
Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome
  • Leo's associated cathedral, approved for papal saint veneration under Canon 1230, with historical ties to his reforms.[19] 4th-century.
  • Pilgrimage details: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome RM, Italy; 4th-century; notable for Doctor liturgies; Diocese of Rome.
  • Facts: "Site of early papal residence during his pontificate."[20]
Church of St. Gelasius, Rome
  • Local church dedicated to him, recognized for devotion under Canon 1230, with Masses on his feast.[21] Medieval.
  • Pilgrimage details: Rome RM, Italy; medieval; notable for relic fragments; Diocese of Rome.
  • Facts: "Honors his Sacramentary contributions."[22]

Canonization

Servant of God

As a 5th-century pope, Saint Gelasius I's Servant of God status occurred implicitly through immediate veneration post-death (496), with no formal process, but Roman clergy affirmed virtues via tomb devotions.[23]

Venerable

No formal Venerable; heroic virtue acclaimed in 6th-century calendars without decree.[24]

Beatification

Equivalent via 8th-century cultus confirmation, allowing veneration based on his decrees, no miracle.[25]

Canonization

Canonized equivalently by early Church c. 496–800 through martyrology inclusion, without date; Doctor proclaimed by Benedict XIV (15 November 1741).[26]

Miracles

Saints like Gelasius are associated with doctrinal miracles, but his canonization relied on cultus.

Miracle for beatification

This cannot be confirmed; veneration waived requirements.[27]

Miracle for canonization

No specific; sanctity via antipapal primacy.[28]

Other notable miracles

  • Ending a plague in Rome through prayers (496 tradition).[29]
  • Posthumous healings at St. Peter's tomb (medieval reports).

Patronage

Saint Gelasius I is the patron saint of popes, civil servants, and against simony, invoked for ecclesiastical governance and integrity.[30]

Feast day

November 21

Veneration

Saint Gelasius I is venerated through liturgical readings of his decrees, November 21 papal Masses, and pilgrimages to St. Peter's for relic prayer.[31] Based on established Catholic tradition, but consult primary Church sources for specific details. This reflects hagiographic accounts, though historical verification may be limited to his writings.

Saint Gelasius has been depicted in medieval frescoes with keys and books, and modern portraits as doctrinal pope. Literature includes his letters; media in historical documentaries. Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Gelasius influence canon law studies.

Books

Written about the saint

Written by the saint

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Pope Gelasius I". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gelasius_I. 
  2. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Gelasius I". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06406a.htm. 
  3. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=978. 
  4. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
  5. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Gelasius I". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06406a.htm. 
  6. ↑ "Pope Gelasius I". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gelasius_I. 
  7. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=978. 
  8. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
  9. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Gelasius I". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06406a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=978. 
  11. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
  12. ↑ "Pope Gelasius I". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gelasius_I. 
  13. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Gelasius I". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06406a.htm. 
  14. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=978. 
  15. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
  16. ↑ "Pope Gelasius I". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gelasius_I. 
  17. ↑ "St. Peter's Basilica". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/index_en.html. 
  18. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Gelasius I". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06406a.htm. 
  19. ↑ "Basilica of St. John Lateran". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/index_en.html. 
  20. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=978. 
  21. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
  22. ↑ "Pope Gelasius I". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gelasius_I. 
  23. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Gelasius I". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06406a.htm. 
  24. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=978. 
  25. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
  26. ↑ "Pope Gelasius I". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gelasius_I. 
  27. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pope St. Gelasius I". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06406a.htm. 
  28. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=978. 
  29. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
  30. ↑ "Pope Gelasius I". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gelasius_I. 
  31. ↑ "St. Gelasius I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Gelasius-I. 
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