Pope Siricius
Siricius (* about 334 in Rome, † November 26 399 ) was Pope in Rome from December 384, possibly as of December 17, until his death. He is venerated as a saint.
His name means: out of town Siris coming (Greek and Latin. ) He was the Romans and since Liberius in the service of the Church. He was before his election, one of the Roman deacons; his rival candidate was the presbyter Jerome, who presented him as stupid. He was unanimously elected and confirmed overlooking the antipope Ursinus on February 25, 385 by Emperor Valentinian II.
Siricius successfully emphasized the primacy of the Patriarch of Rome over the other patriarchs. While his predecessors their writing usually written in the style of fatherly admonition and edification, Siricius wrote in the official bureaucratic style in a commanding and without legal justification. In the self-confidence to have gotten transferred anxiety for all the churches, he issued the first papal decrees to the liturgy and discipline that he saw the rank of the synodal resolutions.
In his letter to Himerius of Tarragona he answered 14 nor addressed to Damasus issues, including there is an instruction in which the re-baptism of the converted Arians is prohibited, acceptance into the Catholic Church will be held by the laying on of hands. It is again enjoined the celibacy rule and determined that Weihe age. The Baptizing dates are limited to Easter and Pentecost, the penitential discipline is mitigated.
At a Roman synod in 396 was determined, among other things, future were bishops to consecrate only by several bishops and with the approval of Rome. The resolutions were also sent to the church in Africa, and probably still other churches to observe. Siricius disapproved as Ambrose of Milan sharp the execution of heretics condemned to death theologian Priscillian. Bonosus and Jovinianus were convicted. Siricius was the first bishop of Rome, who bore the title of " Pope " as a proper name. 390 Siricius inaugurated the construction of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
His feast day is November 26th.