Cornelius

Životopis

Pope Cornelius (d. 253) served as bishop of Rome during the Decian persecution under Emperor Decius. He faced immediate controversy regarding the treatment of Christians who had lapsed during persecution—those who denied their faith or offered pagan sacrifices. Cornelius took a merciful stance, allowing lapsi to do penance and be reconciled to the Church, opposing the rigorous stance of schismatic Novatian. This conflict nearly split the Church, but Cornelius's compassionate approach ultimately prevailed. He was imprisoned during the persecutions and died as a martyr either in Rome or in exile in Centumcellae (modern Civitavecchia). His papacy of only fourteen months established important precedents for sacramental reconciliation. He is venerated alongside Cyprian, his contemporary ally against Novatian's schism.