The Bishop of Rome was traditionally served by seven deacons. Pope Xystus II, sometimes called St. Sixtus, was served by Januarius, Vincent, Stephan, Magnus, Felicissimus, Agapite, and Lawrence. In 258 A.D., the emperor Valerian ordered the executions of many Christians. St. Sixtus and his seven deacons were among the first to be beheaded. When the soldiers rushed in to arrest the pope and his...