On18th January 336 A.D., exactly eighteen days after Pope Sylvester's demise, Saint Mark was elected as the Thirty-Fourth Pontiff of the Catholic Church. His reign lasted only for ten months.

The privilege to consecrate all new Popes was given to the Bishops of Ostia by Pope Mark, through his apostolic decree. Today, it is the Dean of Cardinals, is, the head of the College of Cardinals, who consecrates the Popes. He also convenes the conclave to elect popes, presides over the conclave, announces the new pope's name to the world upon his election, and also presides over his coronation.

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Despite his short tenure, Pope Mark faced significant challenges, including the Arian controversy that raged in the Eastern Church. This heresy had been declared false at the Council of Nicaea, but it continued to cause division and unrest. While there is no record of Pope Mark's direct involvement in these events, his leadership and guidance surely played a role in the Church's response.

Pope Mark attained eternal rest on 7th October AD336 after his short ten-month reign.
-edit&transl. SM

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