Pope Cornelius

Cornelius became bishop of Rome on March 6 or 13, 251, inheriting a church fractured by state terror. The question wasn't theological abstraction: members had burned incense to Roman gods to save their lives, and now wanted forgiveness. Cornelius sided with Cyprian of Carthage - let them return after reinitiation and penance. The Novatianists refused, insisting apostasy was permanent, and declared their own bishop. Cornelius convened a synod, won his election confirmed, and excommunicated Novatian, but the schism spread as both camps scrambled for support. In 251 Emperor Trebonianus Gallus resumed persecutions. Cornelius was banished and died in exile in June 253, possibly beheaded, possibly broken by the conditions themselves.