TODAY'S SAINT (Sixtus III)

SIXTUS III

(d. 440)

Pope

Also known as: Xystus III

 

 

Not much is known about Sixtus III. He was prominent in the Roman church when he was elevated to the Chair of  St. Peter, succeeding St.  Celestine I (r. 422- 432)  on July 31, 432.

     Sixtus III was falsely accused of sympathy toward Nestorianism and Pela-gianism, against both of wich heresies he acted. He also defended the pope's right of supremacy over  the ecclesiastical province of Iyricumm against Proclus of Constantinople.

     In Rome, he restored the basilica of Liberius (now St. Mary Major) and enlarged the basilica of St. Lawrence-Outside-the-Walls. He received precious gifts from Emperor Valentinian III for St. Peter's and the Lateran basilica.

     Sixtus III died 440.

 

     Feast: March 28