March 28 - Pope St. Sixtus III
Born: 390
Died: 440
Nationality: Italian
Vocation: Pope
Canonization: pre-congregation
Not much is known of Pope St. Sixtus’ early life except that he was born in Rome and is one of the few popes to continue using his birth name after ascending to the papacy, becoming the third pope under this name.
Sixtus became the 44th pope in 432. He fought against the Nestorian and Pelagian heresies and approved the Council of Ephesus, which confirmed the Blessed Mother’s role as truly the Mother of God.
Sixtus was also known for the many architectural achievements that occurred during his pontificate including the completion of the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill, and the construction of the papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. His letter to St. Augustine of Hippo is still preserved to this day, along with eight others.
Pope Sixtus III died of natural causes at only 50 years old.
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