Pope Telesphorus

Telesphorus was bishop of Rome, and thereby Pope, from about 126 till about 137.

His pontificate[?] began during the reign of Hadrian, and ended during the reign of Antoninus Pius.

The traditions of Christmas midnight masses, celebration of Easter on Sundays, a seven-week Lent before Easter and the singing of the Gloria[?] are usually attributed to his pontificate, but some historians doubt that this is correct.

St Irenaeus says that Telesphorus suffered martyrdom.

In the Roman Martyrology[?] his feast is given under January 5; the Greek Church celebrates it on February 22.

The Carmelites venerate Telesphorus as patron saint of the order since he is claimed have lived on Mount Carmel[?] as hermit[?].

preceded by Pope Sixtus I, (115-125)

succeeded by Pope Hyginus, (136-140)