Pope Sixtus II (; died 6 August 258), also written as Pope Xystus II, was the bishop of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258. He was killed along with seven deacons, including Lawrence of Rome, during the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Valerian.

Life

According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was a Greek, born in Greece, and was formerly a philosopher. However, this is uncertain, and is disputed by modern Western historians arguing that the authors of Liber Pontificalis confused him with the contemporary author Xystus, who was a Greek student of Pythagoreanism.

Sixtus is thought by some to be the author of the pseudo-Cyprianic writing Ad Novatianum, though this view has not found general acceptance. Another composition written at Rome, between 253 and 258, is generally agreed to be his.

Legacy

Sixtus II is referred to by name in the Roman Canon of the Mass.

The following inscription honoring Sixtus was placed on his tomb in the catacomb of Callixtus by Pope Damasus I:

See also

  • List of Catholic saints
  • List of popes
  • Sistine Madonna

References

Literature

  • "St. Xystus, or Sixtus II., Pope and Martyr", Butler's Lives of the Saints
  • Collected works by Migne Patrologia Latina