St. CorneliusCornelius was elected pope in March 251, after his predecessor Fabian had been martyred. The persecution has slackened because the emperor was off fighting a contender for the imperial throne, but Cornelius well knew what fate likely awaited him. Two weeks after his election, the priest Novatian set himself up as a rival pope. With the support of St. Cyprian and St. Dionysius the Great, the African and Eastern bishops supported Cornelius as did the bishops of Italy. In 252, persecution of the Christians again broke out and Cornelius was banished. It is believed he died of the hardships suffered from his exile, but some sources say he was beheaded; in any case, he is honored as a martyr. His feast is on September 14, along with St. Cyprian. |