St. Telesphorus

Telesphorus · ~126 – ~137

The only second-century pope whose martyrdom is confirmed by early sources; traditionally credited with establishing Christmas midnight Mass.

Telesphorus was a Greek, possibly a former anchorite. He led the Church during the reign of Hadrian, a period of sporadic persecution. Irenaeus of Lyon, writing just decades later, confirms that Telesphorus died a martyr, making him the only second-century pope whose martyrdom has strong early attestation. Tradition credits him with introducing the Gloria at Christmas Mass and establishing the practice of a midnight liturgy on the Nativity. He also reportedly set a seven-week Lenten fast before Easter.

A Death That Was Remembered

Many early popes are called martyrs, but the evidence is often thin or late. Telesphorus is different. Irenaeus, who was only a generation removed, stated plainly that he died for the faith. When someone that close to the events says it happened, you pay attention.