Saint Frumentius of Ethiopia

Biography

Pope Saint Paul I, born in Rome, Italy, was the younger brother of Pope Stephen II. He tragically became an orphan at a young age but managed to receive a solid education at the Lateran school. He dedicated himself to a life of piety and service to the Church, and under Pope Zachary, he was ordained as a deacon in Rome. Pope Paul I was known for his exceptional gentleness and charity, both spiritually and monetarily. His acts of kindness and generosity endeared him to the people, establishing him as a respected figure within the Catholic community. During his time as a papal diplomat, Pope Paul I played a crucial role in recovering Papal State property that had been invaded by the Lombards. His diplomatic skills and dedication to the Church's cause were evident in successfully reclaiming these territories. Following the death of his brother, Pope Stephen II, Pope Paul I was elected as the 93rd pope on May 29, 757. He continued his brother's efforts to maintain the temporal power of the papacy and worked closely with King Pepin the Short towards this goal. One of Pope Paul I's notable achievements was settling an agreement with the Byzantine ruler Desiderius in 765. This agreement delineated the boundaries between their respective domains, ensuring cooperation and stability between the Papal States and the Byzantine Empire. Pope Paul I also focused on the construction of churches and monasteries in Rome, furthering the religious and spiritual development of the city. His commitment to expanding the presence of Catholicism can be seen through these architectural endeavors. The saintly pope staunchly opposed the iconoclastic policies of the Byzantine emperor Constantine Copronymus. Despite the risks involved, Pope Paul I sheltered refugees who were fleeing from the emperor's oppressive regime. His courageous acts of protection and support demonstrated his unwavering commitment to defending the faith and assisting those in need. Pope Saint Paul I passed away on June 28, 767, at Saint Paul's Outside the Walls in Rome, Italy. He was known to have died a natural death. Recognizing his virtuous life and contributions to the Church, Pope Paul I was eventually canonized as a saint. His devotion to charity, diplomatic endeavors, and unwavering defense of the faith make him a revered figure in Catholic history. Although there is no specific patronage associated with Pope Saint Paul I, his life serves as an inspiration for those seeking to emulate his gentleness, charity, and dedication to the Church. His feast day is celebrated on June 28th, marking the day of his passing.