Pope St. Stephen I

Stephen was a native of Rome, the son of Jovius and was serving as an archdeacon at the time of his election to succeed the martyred Pope St. Lucius I. His reign was blessedly free of the severe persecutions of the Church that had characterized the previous years and preceded the onset of new oppression under Emperor Valerian. Nevertheless, his time as pontiff was noted for its turmoil, owing in large measure to his disagreement with St. Cyprian of Carthage over several doctrinal points, including baptism by heretics and the restoration of bishops to their sees after they had been accused of denying the faith. The disputes might have grown very severe had Stephen not died on August 2, 257, by which time the Valerian persecutions were under way. He is noted for being the first pope to make formal claim of papal supremacy on the basis of Christ’s declaration to St. Peter. While a general persecution was ongoing, there is no evidence to indicate that Stephen died a martyr. His feast day is kept on August 2.