Pope Siricius

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Pope Saint Siricius, Bishop of Rome from 17 December 384 until his death on 26 November 399, was successor to Damasus and was himself succeeded by Anastasius I.

In 382 he was the first bishop to bear the title Pontifex Maximus (after it was relinquished by Roman Emperor Gratian), which after his election as Bishop of Rome in 384 permanently became an auxiliary honour of that office. Siricius was elected Bishop of Rome unanimously, despite attempts by the Antipope Ursinus' to promote himself; he was also the first Bishop of Rome to use the title of pope. He was the first pope to issue decretals, the first of which was the Directa Decretal sent to Himerius of Tarragona. He was the author of two decrees concerning clerical celibacy.

Siricius was an active Pope, involved in the administration of the Church, and the handling of various factions and viewpoints within it.

When the Spanish bishop and ascetic Priscillian, accused by his fellow bishops of heresy, was executed by the emperor Magnus Maximus under the charge of magic, Siricus - along with Ambrose of Milan and Martin of Tours - protested against this verdict.

His feast day is 26 November.

References

External links

• Opera Omnia by Migne Patrologia Latina

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Partially from the 9th edition (1880) of an unnamed encyclopedia

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