Pope Siricius, Bishop of Rome from 17 December 384 until his death on 26 November 399, was successor to Damasus and was himself succeeded by Anastasius I.

In 382 he was the first bishop to bear the title Pontifex Maximus, after it was relinquished by Roman Emperor Gratian, and which after his election as Bishop of Rome permanently became an auxiliary honour of that office. He was also the first Bishop of Rome to use the title of Pope.

Siricius was elected unanimously, despite Antipope Ursinus's attempt to promote himself. He was the first Pope to issue decretals. He was the author of two decrees concerning clerical celibacy.

Siricius was an active Pope, involved in the administration of the Church, and the handling of various factions and viewpoints within it.

When the Spanish bishop and ascetic Priscillian, accused by his fellow bishops of heresy, was executed by the Emperor Magnus Maximus under the charge of magic, Siricus - along with Ambrose of Milan and Martin of Tours - protested against this verdict.

His feast day is 26 November.

Partially from the 9th edition (1880) of an unnamed encyclopedia

399 deaths | Popes | Saints | Ancient Roman Christianity

Siricius | Siricius (Papst) | Siricio | Pyhä Siricius | Sirice | Siricio | 교황 시리치오 | Papa Siricio | סיריקיוס | Siricius pápa | Paus Siricius | Siricius | Syrycjusz | Papa Sirício | Сириций (папа римский) | Siricius