Saint Moisès de Roma

Moses of Rome (Rome, 3rd century – 251) was a Roman priest and dean of the college that governed the Catholic Church following the death of Fabian. He is venerated as a saint by various Christian denominations. In the mid-3rd century, Emperor Decius ordered a persecution of Christians in Rome, during which Pope Fabian and other bishops and priests were captured and killed. Given the impossibility of electing a new pontiff, the Church of Rome began to be administered by a college of priests; Moses was chosen as dean due to his prestige and age. During the persecution, many Christians had renounced their faith to save their lives. There were bitter controversies between proponents of an intransigent line and others who were more moderate and conciliatory, among whom was Moses, who understood the position of the apostates. He died in 251, after having spent time in prison. He was considered a martyr, even though he had not been killed as such.