According to theLiber Pontificalis, he was aGreek,[2] born inGreece, and was formerly aphilosopher.[3] However, this is uncertain, and is disputed by modern Western historians arguing that the authors ofLiber Pontificalis confused him with the contemporary author Xystus, who was a Greek student ofPythagoreanism.[1]
Sixtus II restored the relations with the African and Eastern churches, which had been broken off by his predecessor over the question ofhereticalbaptism raised by the heresyNovatianism.
The Martyrdom of Sixtus II in theGolden Legend (1497)
In the persecutions under theEmperor Valerian in 258, numerous bishops, priests, and deacons were put to death. Pope Sixtus II was one of the first victims of this persecution, beingbeheaded on 6 August. He was martyred along with six deacons: Januarius, Vincentius, Magnus, Stephanus,Felicissimus and Agapitus.[1] Lawrence of Rome, his best-known deacon, suffered martyrdom on 10 August, four days after his bishop.[4]
Sixtus is thought by some to be the author of thepseudo-Cyprianic writingAd Novatianum, though this view has not found general acceptance. Another composition written at Rome, between 253 and 258, is generally agreed to be his.
Sixtus II is referred to by name in theRoman Canon of theMass.[1] TheTridentine calendar commemorated Sixtus, Felicissimus, and Agapitus on the feast of theTransfiguration of the Lord, 6 August. They remained in that position in theGeneral Roman Calendar until 1969, when, with the abolition of commemorations, thememorial of Sixtus "and his companions" was moved to 7 August, the day immediately after that of their death.[5]
At the time when the sword pierced the bowels of the Mother, I, buried here, taught as Pastor the Word of God; when suddenly the soldiers rushed in and dragged me from the chair. The faithful offered their necks to the sword, but as soon as the Pastor saw the ones who wished to rob him of the palm (of martyrdom) he was the first to offer himself and his own head, not tolerating that the (pagan) frenzy should harm the others. Christ, who gives recompense, made manifest the Pastor's merit, preserving unharmed the flock.[6]
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