Pope Saint Julius I

Julius, a Roman, was elected pope in 337, shortly after the death of Emperor Constantine. His pontificate was dominated by the Arian crisis that followed the Council of Nicaea, which had proclaimed that the Son is of one substance with the Father. Supporters of Arius had driven Saint Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, from his see.

Julius received Athanasius in Rome, examined his case at a synod in 341 and declared him innocent. In a famous letter to the eastern bishops he defended Athanasius and insisted that such matters should be referred to the bishop of Rome, an important early witness to the role of the papacy. He supported the Council of Sardica around 343, which also upheld Athanasius. In Rome he built several churches, including the basilica that became Santa Maria in Trastevere, according to tradition. He died on April 12, 352.

Julius is remembered in Rome, especially at Santa Maria in Trastevere and in the catacomb of Calepodius on the Via Aurelia, where he was buried. His feast invites prayer for the pope and for unity in the true faith.