Pope Saint Nicholas I
![[Pope Saint Nicholas I]](http://saints.sqpn.com/saintn04.jpg "15kb jpg illustation of Pope Saint Nicholas I, artist unknown")
Also known as
- Nicholas the Great
Profile
Elected after the disintegration of the empire of Charlemagne when Christianity was threatened by apathy and indifference. Vigorous, politically active pope who strengthened the Holy See. Arbitrated temporal and religious disputes, often setting important precedents, such as upholding the right of a bishop to appeal to Rome against his archbishop. Worked to prevent the proposed divorce of Lothair of Lotharingia, who wished to re-marry. Even when Holy Roman Emperor Louis II occupied Rome, Nicholas refused to yield, and finally forced Lothair to reinstate his wife. Challenged the right of Photius to occupy the see of Constantinople, and tried to get Saint Ignatius of Constantinople re-instated. Worked with Boris I to introduce Roman ecclesiastical jurisdiction in Bulgaria, which had recently been converted by the Byzantines.
Born
Papal Ascension
- 13 November 867 at Rome, Italy of natural causes
Name Meaning
- victor of the people (Nicholas - greek)
