# Miltiades

> pope

**Wikidata**: [Q162090](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q162090)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Miltiades)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miltiades-q162090

## Summary
Miltiades, also known as Melchiades, was the Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Catholic Church from 311 to 314 AD. He is recognized as a pivotal figure in the early papacy, overseeing the transition of Christianity from persecution to legal recognition under Emperor Constantine. His papacy coincided with the aftermath of the Diocletianic Persecution and the beginning of the Church's institutional growth.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown date and place
- Nationality: African (historically referred to as "the African")
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Serving as Pope during a transformative period in early Christian history
- Employer(s): Catholic Church; Bishop of Rome
- Field(s): Religion, ecclesiastical leadership

## Contributions
Miltiades served as Pope during a critical era for the Christian Church, presiding over its emergence from state-sponsored persecution into a period of imperial tolerance and eventual endorsement. He did not author known theological works or establish formal doctrines but was instrumental in guiding the Church through its early institutional development. His papacy was marked by efforts to restore order and discipline within the Christian community following years of severe persecution.

## FAQs
### Who was Pope Miltiades?
Pope Miltiades, also known as Melchiades, was the Bishop of Rome from 311 to 314 AD. He was the first bishop to occupy the See of Rome after the end of the Diocletianic Persecution and played a key role in the normalization of Christian life and governance.

### What is significant about Miltiades's papacy?
Miltiades's papacy is significant for overseeing the transition of the Church from persecution to legal recognition. He presided over the beginning of the institutional and spiritual rebuilding of the Church under Constantine's rule.

### Where did Pope Miltiades come from?
Miltiades was of African origin, often referred to as "the African" in historical texts. He is believed to have been born in the Roman province of Africa, though specific details about his birthplace are not recorded.

### What did Pope Miltiades do during his time as Pope?
During his papacy, Miltiades focused on restoring ecclesiastical order after years of persecution. He worked to reestablish Church governance, address doctrinal disputes, and manage the return of lapsed Christians to the faith.

### How is Pope Miltiades remembered in Church history?
Miltiades is remembered as a transitional figure who led the Church during a time of major change. His papacy marked the beginning of the Church's integration into the Roman Empire, setting the stage for its eventual dominance in Western civilization.

## Why They Matter
Miltiades's papacy marked a turning point in the history of the Catholic Church. As the first Pope to serve after the end of the Diocletianic Persecution, he helped guide the Church through a period of recovery and reorganization. His leadership laid the groundwork for the institutional development of the Church under Constantine’s rule, influencing the trajectory of Christianity in the centuries that followed. Without his stewardship during this fragile period, the Church might not have achieved the unity and structure necessary for its later expansion.

## Notable For
- Being the first Pope after the end of the Diocletianic Persecution
- African origin, historically referred to as "the African"
- Papal leadership during the reign of Emperor Constantine I
- Role in the early development of the post-persecution Church
- Oversight of the restoration of Church property and discipline

## Body
### Early Life and Origins
Miltiades, also referred to as Melchiades, was born in the Roman province of Africa, which is reflected in his epithet "the African." Details of his early life, including his exact birth date and place, remain unknown. He was likely raised in a Christian community and may have been ordained as a cleric before ascending to the papacy.

### Papal Election and Tenure
Miltiades was elected Pope on July 2, 311 AD, succeeding Pope Marcellus I. His election came at a time when the Christian Church was recovering from the Diocletianic Persecution, the last and most severe persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. As Pope, Miltiades was tasked with restoring order and discipline within the Church, particularly concerning the readmission of Christians who had lapsed during the persecution.

### Leadership During Transition
Miltiades's papacy coincided with the reign of Emperor Constantine I, who issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting religious tolerance to Christianity. This edict marked a turning point in the Church's history, allowing Christians to practice their faith openly and reclaim confiscated properties. Miltiades played a key role in facilitating the Church's reintegration into Roman society.

### Ecclesiastical Governance
During his tenure, Miltiades worked to reestablish Church discipline and governance. He addressed issues such as the Donatist controversy, a major schism in the Church centered in North Africa. His efforts included correspondence with local bishops and the implementation of measures to ensure doctrinal unity and ecclesiastical order.

### Death and Legacy
Pope Miltiades died on January 10, 314 AD, and was succeeded by Pope Sylvester I. He was buried in the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome, a site associated with early Christian martyrs and leaders. His papacy, though brief, was foundational in the post-persecution era, setting precedents for the Church's relationship with the Roman state and its internal governance.

### Recognition and Veneration
Miltiades is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with his feast day observed on January 10. His legacy is preserved in various historical and religious texts, and he is recognized for his role in guiding the Church through a period of significant transformation. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the early medieval papacy and the Church's evolving role in European history.

### Institutional Affiliations and Titles
Miltiades was associated with the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and the official seat of the Pope. His papacy is documented in numerous historical and ecclesiastical records, including entries in the Vatican's official databases and various biographical compilations. His aliases include Pope Miltiades, Melchiades, and Melchiades the African, reflecting his historical and cultural identity.

### Historical Context and Influence
Miltiades's papacy occurred during a transformative period in Christian history, characterized by the end of persecution and the beginning of imperial support. His actions contributed to the institutionalization of the Church and its eventual dominance in Western civilization. His influence is evident in the subsequent development of papal authority and the Church's integration into the political and social fabric of the Roman Empire.

## References

1. [Source](https://books.google.be/books?id=ExYOAQAAMAAJ)
2. [Source](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/03/has-there-ever-been-a-black-or-african-pope_n_2795549.html)
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. CERL Thesaurus
7. FactGrid
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. HMML Authority File