Cornelius, Saint (kôrnēl'yus) [key], d. 253, pope (251–253); successor of St. Fabian. His rule was marked by the support of St. Cyprian and the opposition of the antipope Novatian, and by the problem of readmitting to the church Christians who apostatized during persecution. Cornelius was martyred under Gallus. He was succeeded by St. Lucius I. Feast: Sept. 16.
