Pope Sixtus was elected Pope in the year 257. Not a lot is known about him, but most Church historians believe that he originally came from Greece. He served during the reign of the Roman Emperor Valerian, who was very tolerant when he first came to power. However, in 257 Valerian issued an edict that outlawed Christian worship and that directed that bishops, priests, and deacons be arrested. In the year 258, Sixtus and six deacons were put to death. He was buried in the Crypt of the Popes, within the Catacombs of Callixtus located on the Appian Way in Rome. Although we do not know much about Pope Saint Sixtus II, we know that he is a saint and among the early martyrs of our Church who also fought to unite the Church, treat sinners with mercy, and hold firm to the teachings handed down to us from the Apostles. As we honor this courageous saint, we pray that all of us be able to give witness to Christ by our fidelity to him.
The psalm today states: The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. We are thankful for good shepherds like Pope Sixtus II who are willing to lead the faithful in the truth of God, even to the point of giving up their own lives.
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