Saint Library
November 21historicalUniversal

Gelasius I

Saint

Sanctified Life

410496

"There are two powers by which this world is chiefly ruled: the sacred authority of the priesthood and the royal power."

The Pope who famously articulated the doctrine of the 'Two Swords,' asserting the independence of spiritual authority from imperial power. His path was one of defining the limits of the state, arguing that while emperors rule the world, priests are responsible for the administration of the divine mysteries.

Gelasius I
Historical Legacy

Historical Journey

Life Locations

Historical Summary (Wikidata)
Pope Gelasius I was the bishop of Rome from 1 March 492 to his death on 21 November 496. Gelasius was a prolific author whose style placed him on the cusp between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Some scholars have argued that his predecessor Felix III may have employed him to draft papal documents, although this is not certain. During his pontificate he called for strict Catholic orthodoxy, more assertively demanded obedience to papal authority, and, consequently, increased the tension between the Western and Eastern Churches. Surprisingly, he also had cordial relations with the Ostrogoths, who were Arians (i.e., Non-trinitarian Christians), and therefore perceived as heretics from the perspective of Nicene Christians.
Canonization: saint

Historical Depiction

Historical depiction of Gelasius I

Wikimedia Commons Source

Titles & Roles

Catholic bishopCatholic priestwriter

Sacred Symbols

Life Journey

410

Born

Born in North Africa; becomes a Roman cleric.

492

Papal Election

Succeeds Felix III; asserts papal authority immediately.

494

Duo Sunt

Writes to Emperor Anastasius regarding the 'two powers' governing the world.

495

Roman Synod

Combats the Acacian Schism and affirms the supremacy of the Roman See.

496

Death

Dies in Rome, leaving a legacy of strong papal leadership.