St Lucius I

Who he was

Lucius was chosen after the death of St Cornelius in exile in 253. The Liber Pontificalis says he was a Roman, son of Porphyrius. Soon after his election he too was banished, but he was allowed to return to Rome before long, to the great joy of his people.

What he is remembered for

St Cyprian wrote to congratulate him on the double honour of confessor and bishop. Like Cornelius, he held that the lapsed should be received back after doing penance. He died on 5 March 254 (the later story that he was beheaded is not reliable), and his feast is 4 March.

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

Sources

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