St Eleutherius

Who he was

Eleutherius was a deacon of the Roman Church under Popes Anicetus and Soter, and succeeded Soter around 174. The Liber Pontificalis says he came from Nicopolis in Greece. His time saw the spread of the Montanist movement from Asia Minor to Rome and Gaul.

What he is remembered for

The martyrs of Lyons sent St Irenaeus to him with letters about the Montanists. The Liber Pontificalis tells that a British king, Lucius, wrote asking to become a Christian; historians doubt it, but the story was long cherished in Britain. His feast is 26 May.

He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope St. Eleutherius
• The Holy See: list of the Supreme Pontiffs