Innokentiy I Saint, pope since 401. Country: Vatican

1. Biography of Innocent I
2. Saint Innocent I, Pope Innocentius
3. Father: Innocent of Albano or Anastasius I
   Mother: ?

Biography of Innocent I

Innocent I (Innocentius) (died 417), a saint, was the Pope of Rome from 401. He believed that the Bishop of Rome should hold a position of primacy in ecclesiastical affairs both in the West and in the East. He sided with Saint John Chrysostom, who was deposed by Empress Eudoxia in Constantinople, and demanded the convening of an ecumenical council. He supported Saint Augustine in his fight against Donatism and Pelagianism, both of which he condemned as heresies in 417. He is celebrated in the Catholic Church on July 28.

Saint Innocent I, Pope Innocentius

Origin: Albano (Italy)

Years of life: ? - March 12, 417

Years of pontificate: December 22, 401 - March 12, 417

Father: Innocent of Albano or Anastasius I
Mother: ?

Little is known about Innocent's life before his election as pope. The Liber Pontificalis refers to him as the son of a certain Innocent of Albano, while Saint Jerome asserts that his father was Anastasius I himself. At the beginning of Innocent's pontificate, Rome was devastated by a deadly plague. According to a historical anecdote, in order to rid the city of the pestilence, Innocent even allowed sacrifices to be offered to pagan gods. Of course, all of this is nothing more than fiction. In 408-410, Rome was subjected to a devastating attack by barbarians led by Alaric. Alaric besieged Rome while Emperor Honorius sought refuge in Ravenna. Alaric insisted that the most respected priests act as mediators in peace negotiations between him and the emperor. Innocent personally led the embassy to Ravenna, but the negotiations ended in failure. The barbarians captured and plundered Rome. However, this tragic event did not shake the steadfastness of the pope, who tirelessly continued to strengthen the position of the Church.

In 379, the Western Emperor Gratian transferred Illyria to the Eastern Emperor. This administrative decision could have significant ecclesiastical consequences, as Illyria was under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Rome, and changing its political subordination could lead to its ecclesiastical control being transferred to Constantinople. From the very beginning of this problem, the popes did not lose sight of it; both Damasus and Siricius dealt with it. Innocent continued the policy of strengthening his jurisdiction in Illyria by granting the Bishop of Thessalonica, Rufus, the right to decide issues of his metropolitanate as a representative of the pope.

In 404, John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople, was deposed from his chair. Innocent, who was friends with John, supported him in their correspondence, but he did not depose the new Archbishop Atticus and did not excommunicate the Eastern Emperor Arcadius, instead suggesting that the issue be resolved at a council. He sent a message to Arcadius proclaiming the principle that the interpretation of divine matters was the responsibility of Church ministers, while secular authorities should abide by religious regulations. Many bishops sent letters to Innocent with questions about various issues of church discipline, celibacy, the canon of the Holy Scriptures, liturgy, sacraments, and the acceptance into church communion of those who had committed mortal sins. The pope responded to all inquiries, and his letters testify to the authority of the Apostolic See.

Innocent died on March 12, 417, and was buried in the Pontian Cemetery near the Portuense Road.