Pope Saint Boniface I

illustration of Pope Boniface I, c.1600, artist unknown; Berlin State Library - Prussian Cultural Heritage, Manuscripts Department, Berlin, Germany; swiped from Wikimedia Commons Memorial

4 September
formerly 25 October

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Son of the presbyter Jocundus. Priest, apparently having been ordained by Pope Saint Damasus I. Papal legate to Constantinople c.405 for Pope Saint Innocent I. Elected 42nd pope in 418. He was opposed by anti-pope Eulalius who had the support of the minor clergy. Both were exiled from Rome, Italy by Emperor Honorius in order to keep the peace. At Easter Eulalia returned against orders, causing his followers to rise to violent action; he was exiled again, and Boniface declared pope. Repeatedly opposed by the patriarch of Constantinople who sought to increase his sphere of influence. Staunch opponent of Pelagianism. Saint Augustine of Hippo dedicated several works to him.