Pope Telesphorus

Telesphorus was bishop of Rome, and thereby Pope, from about 126 till about 137.

His pontificate began during the reign of Hadrian, and ended during the reign of Antoninus Pius.

The traditions of Christmas midnight masses, celebration of Easter on Sundays, a seven-week Lent before Easter and the singing of the Gloria are usually attributed to his pontificate, but some historians doubt that this is correct.

St Irenaeus says that Telesphorus suffered martyrdom.

In the Roman Martyrology his feast is given under January 5; the Greek Church celebrates it on February 22.

The Carmelites venerate Telesphorus as patron saint of the order since he is claimed have lived on Mount Carmel as hermit.

Preceded by: Pope Sixtus I

List of popes

Succeeded by: Pope Hyginus