Pope Gelasius I
Either born in Africa or of African descent, Gelasius succeeded Felix III to the papal chair in March of 492.
Gelasius dealt firmly with his opponents in the ongoing Acacian Schism, and his stance helped establish the Papacy as the foremost authority in western ecclesiastical affairs. He was the first pope to be titled "Vicar of Christ," and he changed the Roman pagan festival "Lupercalia" into the feast of the Purification.
Gelasius was an exceedingly learned pontiff and a prolific writer whose works would continue to influence papal policy long after his death. More than 100 treatises and letters, or fragments thereof, survive, providing a rare glimpse into fifth-century Roman history.
Gelasius would be followed by Anastasius II.
Important Dates
Died: Nov. 19, 496
At About
Biography: Pope Gelasius I
Brief biography and collection of useful resources, by Austin Cline at the Atheism/Agnosticism site.
On the Web
Catholic Encyclopedia: Pope St. Gelasius I
Thorough overview by John P. X. MurphyGelasius I
Some interesting facts at the Ecole Initiative by Karen Rae Keck.Pope Gelasius I
Substantial article at Wikipedia.St. Gelasius I
Accessible bio at Christ's Faithful People.
Primary Sources
Gelasius I on Spiritual and Temporal Power, 494
Modern English translation from J. H. Robinson, Readings in European History, (Boston: Ginn, 1905), pp. 72-73; at Paul Halsall's Medieval Sourcebook.
In Print
The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at booksellers across the web. More in-depth info about the book may be found by clicking on to the book's page at one of the online merchants.
Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to John Paul II
by Richard P. McBrienChronicle of the Popes: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Papacy over 2000 Years
by P. G. Maxwell-Stuart
Related Resources
The Papacy
Index of sites regarding the Popes and the political entity of the Papal States, their impact on medieval culture, and the schisms they endured and overcame.Early Europe
Directory of sites that offer useful resources for the study of Europe in Late Antiquty, or shortly after the fall of Rome.
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