Third-century pope who welcomed back those who had lapsed in persecution; he died in exile as a martyr.
Life
Saint Cornelius served as bishop of Rome, that is, as pope, from 251 to 253. Elected after the papacy had stood vacant for a time during the persecution of Emperor Decius, he had to lead the Church through great turmoil.
The Church was then divided over whether to readmit those who had denied the faith under persecution. Cornelius held that repentant sinners should be received back after penance, while Novatian, who rejected this, set himself up as an antipope. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, supported Cornelius.
Under Emperor Gallus he was exiled to what is now Civitavecchia, where he died in 253, and he is honored as a martyr. The Church remembers him with Cyprian on September 16.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Cornelius is preserving unity through mercy. He opened a way back for those who had fallen, and kept the Church united even when he was attacked for it. His life showed that God's forgiveness is open to everyone.
Reflection
Do we sometimes push away people in our community who have failed? Like Cornelius, could you consider how to open the door to someone who is trying to come back?