Eleuterus

Saint Eleuterus, also known as Pope Eleutherius, was born in Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece. A Greek by origin, he came to serve the Church in Rome and was ordained a deacon under Pope Anicetus, continuing in that ministry under Pope Soter. Around the year 174 he was chosen as bishop of Rome, shepherding the Christian community during a time when the young Church was still defining her life and practice amid persecution and competing teachings. Later tradition associates him with a decree encouraging believers not to reject foods that God has created, emphasizing a confident, grateful faith rather than scrupulosity. His pontificate is also surrounded by a famous legend that he received a letter from Lucius, a “king of Britain,” expressing a desire for conversion—an enduring story that reflects the early Church’s missionary hope, even if its historical details are debated. Eleuterus died on May 24, 189, and is honored as a saint. He is especially venerated as patron of Cupramontana and Tofo Sant’Eleuterio. His feast day is celebrated on May 26.