Saint Gelasius I: Courage and Clarity in Leadership
A Catholic leader or priest can draw bold lessons from St. Gelasius I (d. 496), African-born pope who navigated Rome’s fall. He asserted papal primacy over emperors (“two swords” theory), excommunicated recalcitrant bishops, and defended orthodoxy against heresies like Monophysitism.
Leadership Lessons for Catholic Leaders
- Uphold Church independence—Gelasius rebuked Emperor Anastasius: “I fear God more than men.”
- Serve the vulnerable—he sold Church treasures to feed famine victims;
- Promote unity—he restored lapsed Acacian schismatics with mercy;
- Liturgical fidelity—he shaped the Roman Mass and canon.
Canonized swiftly, Gelasius models fearless governance, sacrificial charity, and doctrinal clarity—proving true authority kneels before the Eucharist and stands firm for souls.
