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Pope Saint Felix IV

detail of a 6th century mosaic of Pope Saint Felix IV in the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Rome, Italy, date unknown, artist unknown Memorial

12 October (Roman Martyrology)
22 September (Benevento, Italy)
formerly 30 January

Profile

Son of Castorius; nothing else is known of his early life. Chosen 54th pope at the insistence of Theodoric, king of the Goths. Secured confirmation of the exemption of clerics from civil law, obtained structures for use as churches, and generally used his favored status with Theodoric to benefit the Church. Opposed semi-Pelagianism, writing to settle Church teachings on grace and free will, and approving the work of Saint Caesarius of Arles on the topics. He tried to designate his successor, but civil authorities and many cardinals rebelled at the idea.