Who he was
Sylvester, the son of a Roman named Rufinus, led the Church for twenty-one years in the reign of Constantine, when the Church moved from persecution into public life. Little reliable information about his pontificate survives, and much of what was later told of him, including the baptism of Constantine by him, is legend.
What he is remembered for
He took part in the dealings over Arianism and sent legates to the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council. In his time Constantine built the great churches of Rome, among them the Lateran basilica and the first St Peter's. He was buried in a church he built over the Catacomb of Priscilla; his feast is 31 December, the last day of the year.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints