St Hyginus

Who he was

Hyginus followed St Telesphorus and led the Church of Rome for about four years. The Liber Pontificalis says he was a Greek. The exact dates of his time are uncertain.

What he is remembered for

In his time the Gnostic teachers Valentinus and Cerdo were active in Rome, and Cerdo was readmitted to the Church and later expelled again. He was buried on the Vatican Hill near St Peter. His feast is 11 January.

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

Sources

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