On This Day

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.

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. 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.

  2. 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.

Events After

  1. Felix I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    Felix I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

  2. St. Eutychian begins his reign as pope of the Catholic Church

    St. Eutychian begins his reign as pope of the Catholic Church

More from the 260s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 26, 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.
Why is Saint Dionysius, Roman Pope (259-260), dies significant?
Pope Dionysius was the bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 AD to his death on 26 December 268.

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