On This Day

Pope St Sixtus II beheaded in Rome under persecutions by Roman Emperor Valerian

Pope Sixtus II, also written as Pope Xystus II, was The Pope of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258.

Pope Sixtus II, also written as Pope Xystus II, was The Pope 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.

Historical Significance

Pope Sixtus II, also written as Pope Xystus II, was The Pope of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258.

Events Before

  1. The Battle of Abrittus in the Balkans won by the Goths against the Romans. Roman Emperors Decius and Herennius Etruscus

    The Battle of Abrittus in the Balkans won by the Goths against the Romans. Roman Emperors Decius and Herennius Etruscus are killed

  2. St Lucius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    Pope Lucius I was the bishop of Rome from 25 June 253 to his death on 5 March 254. He was banished soon after his consecration, but gained permission to return.

  3. Stephan I succeeds Lucius I as Catholic Pope

    Stephan I succeeds Lucius I as Catholic Pope

  4. St Stephen I's death ends his reign as Catholic Pope

    St Stephen I's death ends his reign as Catholic Pope

  5. St Sixtus II begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    St Sixtus II begins his reign as Catholic Pope

Events After

  1. Saint Dionysius elected as Pope, succeeding Sixtus II

    Pope Dionysius was the bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 AD to his death on 26 December 268.

  2. Saint Dionysius, Roman Pope (259-260), dies

    Pope Dionysius was the bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 AD to his death on 26 December 268.

More from the 250s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on August 6, 258?
Pope Sixtus II, also written as Pope Xystus II, was The Pope 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.
Why is Pope St Sixtus II beheaded in Rome under persecutions by Roman Emperor Valerian significant?
Pope Sixtus II, also written as Pope Xystus II, was The Pope of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258.

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