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St. Gaius
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Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A
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Quick Facts
Gaius also spelled:
Caius
Died:
April 22?, 296, Rome [Italy]
Title / Office:
pope (283-296)
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St. Gaius

pope
Also known as: Saint Caius
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

St. Gaius (born, Dalmatia? [now in Croatia]—died April 22?, 296, Rome [Italy]; feast day April 22) was the pope from 283 (possibly December 17) to 296. Nothing about him is known with certainty. Supposedly a relative of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who was known for his heavy persecution of Christians, Gaius conducted his pontificate during a period of Diocletian’s reign when Christians were tacitly tolerated. Nevertheless, Gaius is said to have carried on his religious work for his last eight years concealed in the catacombs. His epitaph was found in the Cemetery of Calixtus.

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