Saint Sixtus II succeeded Saint Stephen I and was elected as the twenty-fourth Pope of the Catholic Church. He was born in Athens, Greece. He was known by the name Xustos and sometimes Sixtos. Hence, when he was elected Pope, he chose the name Sixtus II.

Saint Stephen I, his predecessor was careful to take a strong stand against heresies and heretics throughout his reign. However, disagreement and schism still existed between the Church of Rome and the Churches of Asia Minor and North Africa regarding the readmission of heretics into the Church.

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When Pope Sixtus II took over the ecclesiastical administration, he had to take over the ecclesiastical communities that were fighting over the readmission of heretics. At the very beginning of the ecclesiastical administration, he began and succeeded in reconciling the dissident congregations. Thus, he was able to unite the congregations that were divided from each other and were on the verge of division.

The greatest religious persecution ever witnessed by the Church was unleashed by Emperor Decius in 250 AD and continued into the reign of Emperor Valerian.

By his very first edict, Valerian forbade Christians from assembling and worshipping. He also ordered the confiscation of the property of the Church.

Pope Sixtus II, along with his clerical brethren, gathered together for worship in catacombs and celebrated the Holy Eucharist.

On August 6, AD258, Pope Sixtus II and four deacons, Januarius, Vincent, Magnus, and Stephen were seized and beheaded as they gathered for worship at the Catacombs on the Appian Way.

The Church celebrates the feast of Pope Sixtus II on August 6.
-edit&transl. SM

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