St Eusebius

Who he was

Eusebius succeeded Marcellus and reigned only four months, in 309 or 310. He held to the Roman practice that those who had lapsed in persecution could be readmitted, but only after proper penance. A faction led by one Heraclius opposed him, and the strife became so violent that the Emperor Maxentius exiled them both.

What he is remembered for

He was deported to Sicily, where he soon died. His body was brought back to Rome and buried in the Catacomb of St Callistus, and Pope Damasus honoured him as a martyr in an epitaph. His feast is 26 September.

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

Sources

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