Search results
Pope Fabian (Latin: Fabianus) was the bishop of Rome from 10 January 236 until his death on 20 January 250, [4] succeeding Anterus. A dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit's unexpected choice to become the next pope. [5] He was succeeded by Cornelius.
St. Fabian was the pope from 236 to 250 and a great administrator and martyr. Learn about his life, achievements, feast day, and the persecution of Christians under Decius.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Early Life
- Papal Election
- Papacy
- Later Problems
- Death
- Quick Facts About Pope Fabian
- Interesting Facts About Fabian
Fabian was born in Rome, Italy circa 200 to a noble family. His father was a member of the prominent Fabius family who helped the local government and supported the arts community in Rome. Historical records do not make mention much about his early life, though his family likely had the money needed to educate the future pope.
The papal election of 250 was a difficult one. Pope Pontianreigned for only five years he was deported. Anterus later became pope but only ruled for a few months before he died. Fabian came to Rome for the election because he had an interest in the proceedings. As the bishops and others considered several prominent men, legend claims that a white d...
One of the biggest issues facing Fabian’s papacy included issues within the imperial government. Both Hippolytus was was an antipope and Pontian were exiled from Rome. Fabian used his position to have their bodies returned to and interred in the city. The new pope worked closely with Philip the Arab to end the persecution of Christians. He also hel...
The peace that those in Rome felt ended when Philip the Arab died. Decius became the new emperor and quickly began speaking out against Christianity. He encouraged followers to turn their backs on the Church and practice pagan rituals. Though many of those in the Church disagreed with his ideas, they were too scared to speak out. Even some of the h...
Emperor Decius turned his attention to Fabian, believing that he was one of his main opponents. Fabian became one of the first victims of the new emperor and one of the first martyrs to the Church’s cause. Unlike other men who spent years in prison before their executions, Fabian likely died while in prison. The Church had his remains buried in the...
Fabian was born in the Roman Empire city of Rome, Italy.He was born circa 200.The pope died on January 20, 250, which is the same date chosen for his feast day.Fabian died as a martyr under the orders of Emperor Decius. He likely died after a long prison sentence.A popular legend claims that Fabian baptized both Philip the Arab and the man’s son. Though there aren’t any records to show this is true, Philip was the only one who could return the bodies of Hip...The Oriental Orthodox Church, Eastern Orthodox Church and Catholic Church all recognize Fabian as a saint.Followers of Coptic Christianity celebrate his feast day on both August 7 and 11. While the Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day on August 5, the Catholic Church recognizes him on January 20, t...Eusebius, an early biographer for the Church, claimed that Fabian had no religious experience before becoming pope. His book stated that Fabian came to Rome for the election because he was concerne...Pope Saint Fabian was bishop of Rome from January 236 to January 20, 250 C.E., succeeding Anterus. He is famous for the miraculous nature of his election, in which a dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit 's unexpected choice to become the next pope .
Learn about the life and martyrdom of Pope St. Fabian, who ruled the Church from 236 to 250. Find out how he was elected by a dove, how he divided Rome into seven districts, and how he condemned heresy and defended Origen.
Learn about the life and legacy of Saint Fabian, who was elected as pope in a miraculous way and died for his faith under Emperor Decius. Find out how he organized the Church, evangelized Gaul, and fought heresy.
Jan 20, 2024 · See Vatican News to discover the life-story and message of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr , the Saint of the Day 20 January
