January 2historicalUniversal
Telesphorus
Saint
Sanctified Life
67 — 130
"The Word of God was made flesh."
A possibly anchoritic Pope who is unique for being the only 2nd-century pontiff with a confirmed martyrdom. His path enriched the liturgy, introducing the Midnight Mass at Christmas and the seven-week fast of Lent, shaping the Church's calendar of prayer and penance.
Historical Legacy
Historical Journey
Life Locations
Historical Summary (Wikidata)
Pope Telesphorus was the Bishop of Rome from c. 126 to c. 137. He is remembered for instituting several liturgical traditions, including the Midnight Mass at Christmas, the celebration of Easter on Sundays, and the seven-week Lenten fast. He is the only second-century pope whose martyrdom is confirmed by Irenaeus.
Canonization: saint
Historical Depiction
Wikimedia Commons Source
Titles & Roles
• Catholic priest
Sacred Symbols
Life Journey
67—
Born in Italy
Born in Terra Nova to a Greek family.
125—
Papacy Begins
Succeeds Sixtus I; brings eremitical austerity to the office.
130—
Liturgy
Institutes the Midnight Mass for Christmas and the Gloria.
136—
Martyrdom
Martyred in Rome, likely under Hadrian.