Decius’ successor, Gallus, delayed continuing the persecution of Christians
for more than a year. In the interim, the surviving Roman clergy re-
gathered and elected the humble Cornelius as Pope, passing over the
distinguished and sophisticated Novatian. Stung by this, Novatian accused
Cornelius of leniency in the re-admission of apostates back into the Church
and set himself up as antipope. He then proceeded to take control of the
entire Church by appointing new bishops throughout the Empire.
In response, Pope Cornelius summoned a synod of bishops, which met
under his direction in Rome in the Autumn of 251. Sixty bishops debated
and then proceeded to excommunicate Novatian and all his followers. They
then laid down specific penitential requirements for readmitting the various
categories of apostates back into the Church.
It was not long before the storm of persecution blew again. Gallus, moved
by popular demand for a scapegoat because of plague affecting Rome,
exiled Pope Cornelius into the Italian countryside, where he died in June
253. By then Gallus was also dead, overthrown by another army revolt now
typical of the declining Empire. He was succeeded by Valerian.
Themes for study:
The periods of Imperial favor towards Christianity under Alexander
Severus and Philip the Arab;
The nature and extent of the Thracian persecution;
The suddenness and ferocity of the Decian persecution;
The extent of apostasy during the Decian persecution.
Further reading:
Warren H. Carroll, The Founding of Christendom (A History of
Christendom), Vol. 1, Christendom Press, 1985, pp. 474-493;
Fernard Hayward, A History of the Popes, J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd.,
1931, pp. 29-33;
Philip Hughes, A History of the Church, Vol. 1, Sheed and Ward,
1948, pp. 163-167;
Fr. John Laux, Church History, TAN Books and Publishers, 1930,
pp. 66-68.
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