POPE #35
Pope St. Julius I
The 35th Pope of the Catholic Church
St. Julius I
St. Julius I ranks among the great defenders of Catholic orthodoxy during one of the most turbulent theological crises in Church history. His fifteen-year pontificate was dominated by the struggle against Arianism, the heresy that denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ.
Although the Council of Nicaea had condemned Arius in AD 325, the controversy only intensified after Emperor Constantine’s death in AD 337. Powerful bishops and even emperors attempted to remove faithful Catholic bishops and replace them with Arian sympathizers.
“Hold the form of sound words which thou hast heard from me in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus.”
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Quick Facts
Overview
St. Julius I ranks among the great defenders of Catholic orthodoxy during one of the most turbulent theological crises in Church history. His fifteen-year pontificate was dominated by the struggle against Arianism, the heresy that denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ.
Although the Council of Nicaea had condemned Arius in AD 325, the controversy only intensified after Emperor Constantine’s death in AD 337. Powerful bishops and even emperors attempted to remove faithful Catholic bishops and replace them with Arian sympathizers.
In the midst of this chaos, Pope Julius courageously defended St. Athanasius of Alexandria, one of Christianity’s greatest theologians, and firmly upheld the authority of the Apostolic See.
His pontificate helped preserve the Nicene faith during one of its darkest hours.
Early Life
Very little is known about Julius before his election.
He was likely born into a Christian Roman family and served the Church during the pontificates of Popes Sylvester I and Mark.
He witnessed: the legalization of Christianity, the First Council of Nicaea, the rapid spread of Arianism, the growing political involvement of emperors in Church affairs.
These experiences prepared him for one of the greatest theological battles in Church history.
Becoming Pope
Following the death of Pope St. Mark, Julius was elected Bishop of Rome on February 6, AD 337.
Only months later, Emperor Constantine died.
The Empire was divided among his sons: Constantine II Constantius II Constans This political division soon affected the Church.
Constantius II strongly favored Arian bishops, while Constans generally supported the defenders of Nicaea.
The pope found himself navigating both theological controversy and imperial politics.
Defending St. Athanasius
The defining event of Julius’ pontificate was his unwavering support for St. Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria.
Athanasius had become the Church’s greatest defender of the Nicene Creed.
Because of his refusal to compromise with Arians, he was repeatedly: falsely accused, condemned by hostile synods, exiled, forced to flee for his life.
When Athanasius sought refuge in Rome, Pope Julius welcomed him.
After carefully examining the charges against him, Julius declared Athanasius innocent and recognized him as the legitimate Bishop of Alexandria.
This was a decisive assertion of papal authority in defending orthodox bishops against unjust condemnation.
The Synod of Rome (AD 341)
To resolve the controversy, Julius convened a synod in Rome around AD 341.
The Roman bishops examined the evidence and concluded: Athanasius had been unjustly deposed.
The Arian accusations lacked credibility.
The Nicene faith remained the true Apostolic faith.
Julius wrote forcefully to the Eastern bishops, reminding them that matters involving bishops of such importance should be referred to the Church of Rome.
His famous letter includes one of the earliest explicit statements about the special authority of the See of Peter.
A Landmark Statement on Papal Primacy
In his letter to the Eastern bishops, Julius asked: “Do you not know that this is the custom, that we should first be written to, so that from here what is just may be decided?” This statement demonstrates that, by the mid-fourth century, the Church of Rome was already recognized as having a unique role in resolving disputes affecting the universal Church.
Catholic theologians frequently cite Julius as an important witness to the early exercise of papal primacy.
The Council of Sardica (AD 343)
One of the most important councils of Julius’ pontificate was the Council of Sardica.
Although intended to reunite East and West, the council divided after many Eastern Arian bishops withdrew.
The remaining bishops: reaffirmed Athanasius, supported Pope Julius, established important procedures allowing bishops to appeal to the Bishop of Rome after disputed judgments.
These canons became highly influential in the development of canon law.
Building the Church
Despite theological conflict, Julius also devoted attention to the pastoral life of the Church.
He sponsored the construction and restoration of several churches in Rome, including: Santa Maria in Trastevere (traditionally associated with his pontificate) Churches honoring the martyrs New places of Christian worship as Rome’s population continued growing
Historical Context
Roman Emperors Constantine the Great (until AD 337) The first Christian emperor.
Constans (West) Generally supported Nicene Christianity.
Constantius II (East) Favored many Arian bishops and frequently interfered in Church affairs.
His policies greatly intensified the Arian controversy.
The Church
During Julius’ pontificate: Arianism spread widely.
St. Athanasius spent time in Rome.
The Synod of Rome defended Nicene orthodoxy.
The Council of Sardica strengthened papal appellate authority.
Christianity continued expanding throughout the Empire.
Heresies & Challenges
Arianism Arius taught: Christ was created.
The Son was not eternal.
Jesus was inferior to the Father.
Julius defended the Nicene doctrine that: Christ is eternally begotten.
Christ is fully God.
Father and Son share one divine nature.
Without this teaching, Christianity loses the true doctrine of salvation.
Imperial Interference
For the first time, Christian emperors attempted to influence episcopal appointments and theological decisions.
Julius firmly defended the Church’s independence in spiritual matters.
Major Contributions
- Thirty-fifth Pope of the Catholic Church
- Defended St. Athanasius against unjust condemnation
- Strongly upheld the Nicene Creed
- Convened the Synod of Rome (AD 341)
- Supported the Council of Sardica
- Strengthened the exercise of papal primacy
- Defended the Church from imperial interference
- Expanded Christian worship in Rome
Interesting Facts
- Julius defended St. Athanasius, later honored as a Doctor of the Church.
- His letter to the Eastern bishops is one of the strongest early testimonies to the authority of the Roman See.
- The Council of Sardica established an early form of appeal to the Bishop of Rome.
- His pontificate lasted more than 15 years.
- He governed during one of the fiercest theological battles in Christian history.
- Several ancient Roman churches preserve traditions connected with his pontificate.
Legacy
St. Julius I preserved the Catholic faith during the darkest years of the Arian crisis. When political pressure and influential bishops threatened to overturn the teaching of the Council of Nicaea, Julius stood firmly with St. Athanasius and the defenders of Christ’s full divinity.
His insistence that major ecclesiastical disputes be referred to the See of Rome further clarified the pope’s role as a guardian of unity and orthodoxy. The appellate principles affirmed during his pontificate would profoundly influence the development of canon law and the Church’s understanding of papal primacy.
Julius demonstrated that the Successor of St. Peter must sometimes stand against emperors, powerful bishops, and popular opinion in order to preserve the truth entrusted to the Apostles.
Did You Know?
One of Pope St. Julius I’s letters contains one of the earliest explicit statements about the authority of the Bishop of Rome. Rebuking Eastern bishops for acting without consulting the Apostolic See, he reminded them that matters of such importance should first be referred to Rome. This letter is frequently cited in studies of the historical development of the papacy and demonstrates that appeals to the Roman See were already an established practice in the fourth century.
Why St. Julius I Matters
St. Julius I was one of the greatest champions of Catholic orthodoxy during the fourth century. By defending St. Athanasius, upholding the Nicene Creed, and insisting that disputes affecting the universal Church be referred to the Apostolic See, he strengthened both the doctrine of Christ’s divinity and the role of the papacy as a source of unity. His courageous resistance to political pressure reminds Catholics that the Church’s mission is not to conform to earthly power but to remain faithful to the truth revealed by Christ. Without leaders like Julius, the Nicene faith that Catholics profess every Sunday might not have been preserved.
CatholicG33k Historical Highlight
“Athanasius Against the World” – and Rome stood with him.
A famous phrase often associated with St. Athanasius is Athanasius contra mundum (“Athanasius against the world”). Although many bishops and even emperors embraced or tolerated Arianism, Pope St. Julius I publicly defended Athanasius when he was falsely deposed and exiled. This partnership between the Bishop of Alexandria and the Bishop of Rome became one of the defining moments in the Church’s defense of Christ’s true divinity. Their witness paved the way for the ultimate triumph of Nicene Christianity at the First Council of Constantinople (AD 381).
Sources and Further Study
Scripture References
- Matthew 16:18-19
- Matthew 28:19
- John 1:1-18
- John 10:30
- John 21:15-17
- Colossians 2:8-10
- 2 Timothy 1:13-14
- Hebrews 13:7-9
Primary Historical Sources
- Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims Bible)
- St. Athanasius, Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians)
- St. Athanasius, History of the Arians
- Pope Julius I, Letter to the Eusebian Bishops
- Canons of the Council of Sardica (AD 343)
- Socrates Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History
- Sozomen, Ecclesiastical History
- Liber Pontificalis
Timeline
Born in Rome
Elected Bishop of Rome
Death of Constantine the Great
Athanasius arrives in Rome
Synod of Rome vindicates Athanasius
Council of Sardica
Dies in Rome