Pope Telesphorus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pope Saint Telesphorus |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Rome | |
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | c. 126 |
| Papacy ended | c. 137 |
| Predecessor | Sixtus I |
| Successor | Hyginus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Terranova da Sibari, Calabria, Roman Italy |
| Died | c. 137 Rome, Roman Italy, Roman Empire |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day |
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| Venerated in | |
| Attributes | Papal vestments |
| Patronage | Carmelites |
Pope Telesphorus was an important early leader of the Christian Church. He served as the Bishop of Rome (the leader of the Catholic Church) from about 126 AD until his death around 137 AD. He lived during the time of the Roman Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius.
Telesphorus was born in Terranova da Sibari, a place in Calabria, which was part of Roman Italy. He was of Greek background. Many people, especially the Carmelites, honor him as a saint. This is because some stories say he lived as a hermit (someone who lives alone for religious reasons) on Mount Carmel. He is also known as a martyr, meaning he died for his beliefs. This information comes from an ancient writer named Irenaeus.
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Who Was Pope Telesphorus?
Telesphorus is traditionally seen as the eighth Bishop of Rome after Peter. Peter was considered the first Pope. Before he became Pope, Telesphorus was an anchorite, which is another word for a hermit monk. This is mentioned in a historical book called the Liber Pontificalis.
His Martyrdom and Legacy
According to Irenaeus, Telesphorus suffered a "glorious" martyrdom. This means he died bravely for his faith. While many early popes are called martyrs in later writings, Irenaeus wrote about Telesphorus much earlier, around 180 AD. This makes Telesphorus the earliest Pope after Peter whose martyrdom is clearly recorded by someone who lived closer to his time.
A historian named Eusebius wrote that Telesphorus became Pope around 128–129 AD. He also noted that Telesphorus died around 138–139 AD.
In the Roman Martyrology, which lists saints, his feast day is celebrated on January 2nd. Eastern Christian churches celebrate his feast day on February 22nd.
Traditions Attributed to His Time
Some traditions say that certain Christian practices began during Pope Telesphorus's time. These include:
- Celebrating Christmas Midnight Masses.
- Holding Easter celebrations on Sundays.
- Observing a seven-week period of Lent before Easter.
- Singing the Gloria hymn during church services.
However, some historians are not sure if these traditions truly started during his time as Pope.
Easter Controversy and Unity
During a debate about when to celebrate Easter, Telesphorus was a Roman bishop who always celebrated Easter on a Sunday. This was different from some communities who calculated Easter based on the Jewish Passover. Even so, Telesphorus chose to remain friendly with those who followed different customs. He believed in keeping the Christian communities united.
Mount Carmel Connection
The Carmelites are a religious order who greatly respect Telesphorus. They consider him a patron saint. This is because some historical accounts suggest he lived as a hermit on Mount Carmel. This mountain is a significant place for the Carmelite order.
Places Named After Him
The town of Saint-Télesphore in Canada's Quebec province is named in his honor. This shows his lasting influence.
See also
- List of Catholic saints
- List of popes
