On This Day

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.

Pope Dionysius was the bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 AD to his death on 26 December 268. His task was to reorganise the Catholic Church, after the persecutions of Emperor Valerian I, and the edict of toleration by his successor Gallienus. He also helped rebuild the churches of Cappadocia, devastated by the marauding Goths.

Historical Significance

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

Events Before

  1. 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.

  2. Stephan I succeeds Lucius I as Catholic Pope

    Stephan I succeeds Lucius I as Catholic Pope

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

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

  4. St Sixtus II begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    St Sixtus II begins his reign as Catholic Pope

  5. 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.

Events After

  1. 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.

  2. Felix I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    Felix I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

More from the 250s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on July 22, 259?
Pope Dionysius was the bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 AD to his death on 26 December 268. His task was to reorganise the Catholic Church, after the persecutions of Emperor Valerian I, and the edict of toleration by his successor Gallienus. He also helped rebuild the churches of Cappadocia, devastated by the marauding Goths.
Why is Saint Dionysius elected as Pope, succeeding Sixtus II significant?
Pope Dionysius was the bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 AD to his death on 26 December 268.

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