A portrait of Pope St. Stephen I
Pope St. Stephen I
d. August 2, 257
Feast
August 2 · III c.
Order
Pope / Martyr
Pope from 254 to 257 who is best remembered for his vigorous defense of the validity of baptism conferred by heretics, against the contrary view of St. Cyprian of Carthage. His insistence that 'nothing is to be innovated except what has been handed down' is one of the earliest explicit appeals to apostolic Tradition in Western Christianity. He was martyred in the Valerian persecution.
Life & Times
Also known as: Stephanus I · Died: August 2, 257 · From: Rome.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including Pope St. Stephen I, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.