Pope St. Siricius

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Pope St. Siricius

· BORN 334

· DIED Nov. 26, 399

· FEAST DAY Nov 26

 

St. Siricius was unanimously elected Bishop of Rome in 384, despite attempts by the Antipope Ursinus to promote himself. He was an active pope, involved in the administration of the Church and the handling of various factions and viewpoints within it.

 

He was the first pope to issue decretals, the first of which was the Directa Decretal sent to Himerius of Tarragona. He was the author of two decrees concerning clerical celibacy. The decree of 385 stated that priests should stop cohabiting with their wives. When the Spanish bishop and ascetic Priscillian, accused by his fellow bishops of heresy, was executed by Emperor Magnus Maximus under the charge of magic, Siricius – along with Ambrose of Milan and Martin of Tours – protested against the verdict.

 

Some sources say Siricius was the first Bishop of Rome to style himself pope, but that is disputed. Siricius is also one of the popes presented in various sources as having been the first to bear the title Pontifex Maximus, but again that is disputed. Siricius died Nov. 26, 399. (From Wikipedia)

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