GelasiusI

Gelasius I was Pope from March 1, 492, until his death on November 19, 496. He was a native of Rome and the son of Valerius, a Roman of the province of Campania. Before his pontificate, he served as a deacon. Gelasius is known for his significant theological and political writings, particularly his doctrine of the "two swords" or the "two powers." This doctrine asserted that there were two distinct and divinely ordained authorities: the sacred priestly authority (sacerdotium) and the royal power (regnum). He argued that the priestly authority was superior, especially in matters of faith and morals, while the royal power held authority in secular affairs.

His pontificate occurred during a period of considerable tension between the papacy and the Eastern Roman Empire, particularly with Emperor Anastasius I, who supported Monophysitism, a theological doctrine that the Council of Chalcedon had condemned. Gelasius was a staunch defender of Chalcedonian orthodoxy and excommunicated Emperor Anastasius. He also played a role in the development of liturgical practices and the canon of Scripture, with his Decretum Gelasianum, though the attribution and dating of this work are debated by scholars. Gelasius I is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on November 21.