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Pope Julius I was the bishop of Rome from 6 February 337 to his death on 12 April 352. He is notable for asserting the authority of the pope over the Arian Eastern bishops, as well as setting December 25 as the official birthdate of Jesus.
Saint Julius I ; feast day April 12) was the pope from 337 to 352. The papacy had been vacant four months when he was elected as St. Mark’s successor on Feb. 6, 337. Julius then became the chief support of orthodoxy and the Nicene Creed against Arianism, a heresy that held Christ to have been.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Early Life
- Papal Selection
- Arian Disputes
- Council of Sardica
- Jesus Christ’s Birth
- Legacy
- Background
- Interesting Facts About Pope St. Julius I
As with many of the early popes, historians know very little about the early life of Pope St. Julius I. He likely used the name Julius as a young man as most of the early popes used their given names after taking the throne. Pope Saint Mar ruled for only 263 days and was in his early 40s when he died from natural causes.
In the modern era, Church officials gather together to nominate the next pope and spend time deciding on the best person. When Pope Saint Mark passed away, the process was quite different. Just four months after his death, officials quietly named Julius the next pope.
Much of what we know about Pope St. Julius I concerns his role in Arian disputes. Arianism was a doctrine that claimed Jesus was the Son of God but also a God separate from God. A group of the doctrine’s followers received attention when they sent delegates to meet with various rulers. Julius asked the bishops within the doctrine to attend a synod ...
Many of the men who followed Arianism lived in the eastern region. They held the Council of Sardica in 343 where more than 70 of their followers agreed to leave Bulgaria. Some of those same men were on hand during a second council in which they deposed Julius. More than 300 bishops and other Church officials in the western region disagreed with thi...
The biggest and most important thing that historians know about Pope St. Julius I concern the celebration of Jesus Christ and his birthday. Heretics and others in Rome celebrated a festival every year around the end of December. Pope St. Julius I released an official decree in which he claimed that Jesus was born on December 25. Historians do not k...
Pope St. Julius I looked for ways to bring more attention and followers to the Catholic Church. He built or helped build several churches and basilicas to give Romans and those in other areas more places to worship. Though known as Pope Julius for many years, he became Pope St. Julius I after the Catholic Church named him a saint and others used th...
Born: circa 280 AD in RomeBirth Name: UnknownDied: April 12, 352Cause of Death: UnknownThough the Catholic Church does not have records to indicate when Pope St. Julius I became a saint, they celebrate his feast day on April 12 every year.Historians list his cause of death as unknown but believe it was likely from natural causes. He was around 57 when he became pope and in his early 70s when he passed away.The papacy of Pope St. Julius I lasted for 15 years and 66 days, according to some of the early Church records. Only one other man held the papacy for longer during those early days: Pope Saint Syl...Though many of the early popes were buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, Church officials had Pope St. Julius I’s remains moved to the Cemetery of Calepodius.Learn about the life and legacy of Pope St. Julius I, who ruled the Roman Church from 337 to 352. He intervened in the Arian controversies, restored Athanasius to Alexandria, and built several churches in Rome.
Apr 12, 2024 · Pope Saint Julius I, reigned 337-352, staunchly defended Orthodoxy, protected St. Athanasius, and opposed Arianism.
On February 6, 337, Julius, son of Rusticus and a native of Rome, was elected pope. His pontificate is chiefly celebrated for his judicious and firm intervention in the Arian controversies, about which we have abundant sources of information.
Learn about the life and achievements of Pope St. Julius I, who ruled the Roman Church from 337 to 352. He intervened in the Arian controversies, restored Athanasius to Alexandria, and built several churches in Rome.
