Pope Sixtus I – Saint Of The Day – 3 April
The sixth successor to Saint Peter. Possibly a martyr. Reigned for 10 years.
Sixtus was a Roman with a Greek decent which is suggested by his Greek name. As a Pope he reigned for only 9 or 10 years – from 115 (116) to about 125 AD. His reign was during the reign of Roman emperor Hadrian.
When Sixtus succeded St. Alexander I he became the sixth successor to St Peter.
Sixtus’ martyrdom is unproved. Legends say he was a martyr, but contemporary scholars believe that the martyrdom was unlikely during a time when persecution had ceased.
Three important ordinances that Pope Sixtus I has passed:
1 – No-one but sacred ministers are allowed to touch the sacred vessels
2 – Bishops who have been summoned to the Holy See shall, upon their return, not be received by their diocese except on presenting Apostolic letters
3 – After the Preface in the Mass the priest shall recite the Sanctus with the people.
The presence of Pope Sixtus I in visual arts is quite rare.
