Names of popes since 1940

He became Pope after Celestine I. Sixtus III was in charge during a time when Christianity was finally getting a bit of a break from being treated badly by the Roman Empire. His main job was to fix and build up churches, including some famous ones in Rome that are still important today. He also worked hard to keep the peace in the Church, trying to solve disagreements and make sure everyone was on the same page about what Christians believe.

This guide will tell you all about his life, how he helped the Church grow stronger, and the good things he did as Pope, especially at a time when being a Christian was starting to change for the better. Sixtus worked as bishop for the Church for many years before becoming the pope. He became a prominent member of the Roman clergy and developed a relationship with Augustine of Hippo who would later become a saint.

One of his first actions was to end the feuding between two major leaders at the time: John of Antioch and Cyril of Alexandria. The two men would finally reconcile one year later. He also spoke about the leadership of Illyria, which was a region of the Balkan Peninsula. Sixtus III believed that the pope should lead the people of this region and that he had more rights than others did.

Those actions put him in direct opposition with the Proclus of Constantinople. The emperor of this region believed that he should have more control than the pope.

List of all 266 popes in order with pictures

Work finished on the Basilica of Santa Sabina during his reign and was dedicated to the pope. This historic church still stands today on Aventine Hill. In making this dedication, the pope showed that he agreed with the Council of Ephesus.