Saint Cornély

Who they were

Cornelius, a Roman, was elected pope for his humility and goodness after a period without a pope caused by the violent persecution of Decius. The heretic Novatian opposed him and started a schism, but Cornelius was recognised by nearly all the bishops, foremost among them Saint Cyprian of Carthage. Pope Cornelius was arrested and imprisoned at Civitavecchia during the persecution of Gallus, and died there in 253.

He and Cyprian, who was beheaded at Carthage five years later, are remembered by the Church on the same day, both honoured as witnesses to a truth that does not yield even under persecution.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

Pope who resisted the Novatianist schism and died in exile at Civitavecchia during persecution in 253; feast 16 September.