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St. Fabian ends his reign as pope of the Catholic Church (236-250)

Pope Fabian (Latin: Fabianus) was the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church from 10 January 236 until his death on 20 January 250, succeeding Anterus.

Pope Fabian (Latin: Fabianus) was the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church from 10 January 236 until his death on 20 January 250, succeeding Anterus. A dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit's unexpected choice to become the next pope. He was succeeded by Cornelius.

Most of his papacy was characterized by amicable relations with the imperial government, and the schism between the Roman congregations of Pontian and Hippolytus was ended. He divided Rome into diaconates and appointed secretaries to collect the records of the martyrs. He sent out seven "apostles to the Gauls" as missionaries, but probably did not baptize Emperor Philip the Arab as is alleged.

Historical Significance

Pope Fabian (Latin: Fabianus) was the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church from 10 January 236 until his death on 20 January 250, succeeding Anterus.

Events Before

  1. BC First recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet

    Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30)…

  2. BC Battle of the Aegates Islands: Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet, ending the First Punic War

    BC Battle of the Aegates Islands: Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet, ending the First Punic War

Events After

  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

More from the 250s

Stephan I succeeds Lucius I as Catholic Pope

Stephan I succeeds Lucius I as Catholic Pope

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.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 20, 250?
Pope Fabian (Latin: Fabianus) was the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church from 10 January 236 until his death on 20 January 250, succeeding Anterus. A dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit's unexpected choice to become the next pope. He was succeeded by Cornelius.
Why is St. Fabian ends his reign as pope of the Catholic Church (236-250) significant?
Pope Fabian (Latin: Fabianus) was the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church from 10 January 236 until his death on 20 January 250, succeeding Anterus.

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January 20 in HistoryYear 250