St Urban I

Who he was

Urban was a Roman, the son of Pontianus according to the Liber Pontificalis, and succeeded St Callistus in 222. He led the Church for about eight years in the peaceful reign of the Emperor Alexander Severus, while the schism of Hippolytus went on.

What he is remembered for

Nothing is certainly known of his own work. Legend links him with St Cecilia, saying he baptised her husband and his brother, but that story has no historical basis. He is believed to have died in peace and was buried in the Catacomb of Praetextatus on the Via Appia; he is remembered on 25 May.

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

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope Urban I
• The Holy See: list of the Supreme Pontiffs