Who he was
Julius, a Roman, the son of Rusticus, was elected on 6 February 337 after the see had been empty for four months. His pontificate fell in the thick of the Arian controversy, when bishops faithful to the Council of Nicaea were being driven from their sees in the East.
What he is remembered for
He received St Athanasius of Alexandria and other exiled bishops in Rome, cleared them at a Roman synod, and wrote firmly to the Eastern bishops that such cases should first be referred to Rome. He supported the Council of Sardica, which upheld Athanasius. In Rome he built the churches now known as Santa Maria in Trastevere and the Holy Apostles, and he was honoured as a saint soon after his death; his feast is 12 April.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
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