# Siricius

> pope

**Wikidata**: [Q161443](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q161443)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Siricius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/siricius

## Summary
Siricius was a Catholic priest who served as Pope from 384 to 399 CE. He is recognized as a saint in the Catholic tradition and held the papal office during a significant period in early Christian history.

## Biography
- Born: January 1, 334 CE
- Died: November 27, 399 CE
- Occupation: Catholic priest, Pope
- Known for: Serving as Pope during the late 4th century
- Field: Religious leadership, Catholic Church administration

## Contributions
Siricius served as Pope from 384 to 399 CE, providing religious leadership during a formative period for the Catholic Church. His papacy spanned 15 years during which he guided the early Christian community through theological and organizational developments that shaped the church's structure and doctrine. As a Catholic priest elevated to the highest office in the church, his leadership contributed to establishing precedents for papal authority and church governance that would influence centuries of Christian tradition.

## FAQs
**What was Siricius's primary role in the Catholic Church?**
Siricius served as Pope from 384 to 399 CE, making him the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church during this period. He held the highest office in Christianity and was responsible for guiding the church's direction during a critical era of its development.

**When did Siricius live?**
Siricius was born on January 1, 334 CE and died on November 27, 399 CE, living through much of the 4th century during a transformative period for Christianity in the Roman Empire.

**How long did Siricius serve as Pope?**
Siricius served as Pope for approximately 15 years, from 384 CE until his death in 399 CE, providing extended leadership during a crucial period in early church history.

**Is Siricius recognized in Catholic tradition?**
Yes, Siricius is recognized as a saint in the Catholic tradition, indicating his special status and veneration within the church hierarchy.

## Why They Matter
Siricius holds significance as a 4th-century Pope who provided leadership during a pivotal time when Christianity was becoming increasingly institutionalized within the Roman Empire. His papacy occurred during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I, when Christianity became the official religion of Rome, making his role crucial in navigating the church through this transition from persecuted minority to state religion. His tenure helped establish administrative and doctrinal precedents that would shape papal authority and church governance for centuries to come. As a saint in Catholic tradition, his legacy represents the continuity of apostolic succession and the development of ecclesiastical structures that remain central to Catholic identity today.

## Notable For
• Served as Pope from 384 to 399 CE during a transformative period in Christian history
• Recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church tradition
• Provided religious leadership during the time when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire
• Held the highest office in the Catholic Church for 15 years
• Contributed to the establishment of papal authority and church governance structures

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Siricius was born on January 1, 334 CE, during a period when Christianity was transitioning from persecution to official recognition within the Roman Empire. Before ascending to the papacy, he was ordained as a Catholic priest, which was a prerequisite for holding the highest office in the church. His early life occurred during the reigns of emperors Constantine and his successors, when the Christian faith was rapidly expanding and developing its institutional framework.

### Papal Leadership (384-399 CE)
Siricius assumed the papacy in 384 CE, taking over leadership of the Catholic Church during a time of significant political and religious change. His papacy lasted until his death on November 27, 399 CE, spanning 15 years of continuous leadership. During this period, he navigated the church through complex theological disputes and organizational challenges that arose as Christianity became more integrated with Roman governmental structures.

### Religious Significance
As a Catholic priest elevated to the position of Pope, Siricius represented the continuation of apostolic succession from Saint Peter. His recognition as a saint in Catholic tradition indicates that his life and service were considered exemplary according to church standards. This sainthood reflects both his personal holiness and the importance of his contributions to the development of Catholic doctrine and practice.

### Historical Context
Siricius's papacy coincided with the reign of Emperor Theodosius I, who made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380 CE through the Edict of Thessalonica. This historical context meant that Siricius had to guide the church through its transformation from a persecuted minority religion to the dominant faith of the empire, requiring careful navigation of relationships with imperial authorities while maintaining ecclesiastical independence.

### Legacy and Recognition
The numerous identification numbers and references associated with Siricius across various databases and scholarly resources demonstrate his continued recognition in academic and religious contexts. These include entries in major bibliographic systems such as Library of Congress, VIAF, ISNI, and others, confirming his historical significance and ongoing scholarly interest in his papacy and contributions to Christian history. His aliases, including Pope Siricius, Pope Cyriacus, and Cyriacus, reflect variations in the spelling and translation of his name across different languages and historical periods.

## References

1. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. CERL Thesaurus
6. Library of Congress Control Number
7. FactGrid
8. HMML Authority File