Innocent I

Who they were

Innocent was born at Albano near Rome, elected Pope in 401 and consecrated on 22 December. When the Goths threatened Rome in 410 he negotiated to save the city and went to the emperor at Ravenna to seek terms, but while he was away the city was sacked on 24 August.

From 411 he faced the heresy of Pelagius, who denied original sin and the need of grace; with St Augustine's support Pelagius was condemned. His letters worked for unity among the Churches: on baptising the children of Christian parents, on the indissolubility of marriage even for slaves, on chastity for bishops and priests. He died in 417.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Innocent has been honoured as a saint since his death.

Why that counted as sanctity

Innocent defended Rome and the faith in a collapsing empire, upholding the need of God's grace against Pelagius and the dignity of marriage for all.

Connected on this site

• Anastasius I Saint Parent, Father
  “He died in Rome and was eventually buried in the Catacomb of Pontian together with his immediate successor, Innocent I.” — Wikipedia
• John Chrysostom Saint
  “He defended the exiled John Chrysostom and consulted with the bishops of Africa concerning the Pelagian controversy, confirming the decisions of the African synods.” — Wikipedia