Innocent was born at Albano, Italy. He became Pope, succeeding Pope
St. Anastasius I, on December 22, 401. During Innocent's pontificate, he emphasized papal supremacy, commending the
bishops of
Africa for referring the decrees of their councils at
Carthage and Millevis in 416, condemning Pelagianism, to the Pope for confirmation. It was his
confirmation of these decrees that caused Augustine to make a remark that was to echo through the centuries: "Roma locuta, causa finitas" (Rome has spoken, the
matter is ended). Earlier Innocent had stressed to
Bishop St. Victrius and the Spanish
bishops that matters of great importance were to be referred to
Rome for settlement. Innocent strongly favored clerical celibacy and fought the unjust removal of
St. John Chrysostom. He vainly sought help from Emperor Honorius at Revenna when the Goths under Alaric captured and sacked Rome. Innocent died in
Rome on March 12. His
feast day is July 28th.
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