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Pope Saint Eleutherius
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Pope Saint Eleutherius

Greek-born second-century pope, linked to the legend of King Lucius of Britain

Rank
Saint
Kind
Pope
Life
d. ~189
Era
2nd century
Feast
26 May
Countries
Greece, Italy
GreeceItaly

Life story

According to the Liber Pontificalis, Eleutherius was a Greek born at Nicopolis in Epirus. The contemporary writer Hegesippus says he was a deacon of Pope Anicetus, and the Catholic Encyclopedia adds that he evidently remained a deacon under Soter. He was bishop of Rome from about 174 until his death on 24 May 189; other sources place his pontificate in 171-185 or 177-193, because the chronology of the early bishops of Rome cannot be fixed precisely.

His reign coincided with the arrival of Montanism in Rome and Gaul. The Catholic Encyclopedia records that in 177 the confessors of Lyon sent a letter to Rome, carried by Irenaeus. The Liber Pontificalis also credits Eleutherius with a decree that Christians should not despise any food; the Catholic Encyclopedia suggests he may have issued such a decree against the Gnostics and Montanists, but the attribution may instead reflect a similar rule current around the year 500.

He is most famous for a later addition to the Liber Pontificalis saying that Lucius, king of Britain, wrote asking to become a Christian. The story was repeated by Bede and many other writers, but the Catholic Encyclopedia judges it historically very improbable and says recent critics reject it. He was buried on the Vatican hill near Peter's tomb. Ancient sources do not say he died a martyr.

Works and witness

  • Bishop of Rome from about 174 to 24 May 189
  • Received the letter of the Lyon confessors in 177, carried by Irenaeus, per the Catholic Encyclopedia
  • His reign saw Montanism reach Rome and Gaul
  • The King Lucius story attached to his name is a later addition that historians reject
  • Buried near Peter's tomb on the Vatican hill

Saints from the same country

Saints Cyril and Methodius, Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Pope Saint Telesphorus

References

  • Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), 'Pope St. Eleutherius'
  • Liber Pontificalis and Hegesippus as cited in the Catholic Encyclopedia

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.