St. Marcellus I

St. Marcellus I became pope in 308, during the end of Diocletian’s persecutions of Christians. The pope attempted to welcome back to the church those who had been afraid to practice their faith for fear of death. He also had to build up the clergy after many had been killed and others had been practicing in secret. St. Marcellus was exiled and died in 309. He is considered a martyr.