Pope Saint Eugene I

Biography

Pope Saint Eugene I, also known as Eugenius, was born in Rome, Italy. He was the son of Rufinianus and grew up in a devout Christian household. As a young man, Eugene followed the path of priesthood and was known for his piety, gentleness, and generosity towards the poor. Eugene's dedication to serving the Church led him to become the Vicar for Pope Saint Martin I during the latter's exile. Pope Martin was unjustly persecuted by the Byzantine emperor because of his opposition to the heretical Monothelite belief, which denied the full humanity of Christ. During this time, Eugene displayed great loyalty and support for Pope Martin, defending the orthodox teachings of the Church. In 654, Pope Martin I passed away, and Eugene was elected as the 75th Pope of the Catholic Church. As the new Pope, Eugene continued to oppose the heretical Monothelite belief and actively worked towards safeguarding the true doctrine of the Church. His strong stance against the Monothelites led to conflict with the Byzantine emperor, who threatened to roast Pope Eugene alive as a result of his opposition. Despite the emperor's threats, Pope Eugene remained steadfast in his convictions and did not waver in defending the orthodox faith. During his papacy, he consecrated 21 bishops, ensuring the proper leadership and guidance of the Church. His dedication to upholding the true teachings of Christ and his love for the poor and downtrodden earned him great respect from the clergy and the faithful. Pope Saint Eugene I passed away in June 657 of natural causes. He was laid to rest in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy, a place of great significance for the Catholic Church. Pope Eugene's sanctity and devotion to the faith were recognized, and he was canonized as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era. Although Pope Saint Eugene I is not known to have a specific patronage, his life serves as an inspiration for all Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith and to stand up for the truth in the face of adversity. His unwavering commitment to defending orthodoxy and his compassion towards the poor make him a shining example of holiness and devotion within the Catholic Church.