Pope St. Nicholas I the Great (105º): the Great — Complete Guide
Pontificate: 24 April 858 –13 November 867
St. Nicholas I the Great was the 105th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 24 April 858 –13 November 867 during the early medieval papacy. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States. The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint.
Who Was Pope Nicholas I the Great?
This biography of St. Nicholas I the Great (105º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. Common search topics include the Great. During the early medieval papacy, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church. Catholics honor him as a saint whose intercession remains available to the faithful.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Nicolaus. Born circa 800 Rome, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Nicholas I the Great reigned during the early Middle Ages, when the papacy navigated the collapse of Roman order in the West, the rise of new kingdoms, and the missionary expansion of Christianity across Europe.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (24 April 858 –13 November 867) centered on governance during the early medieval papacy. Feast day 13 November. Encouraged missionary activity.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Nicholas I the Great left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.
Key Highlights
- 105th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 24 April 858 –13 November 867
- Venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
- Feast day 13 November.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
St. Nicholas I the Great remains pope 105º in the Annuario Pontificio. The Church venerates his feast and holds up his virtues for imitation. Read against the early medieval papacy, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying St. Nicholas I the Great helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the early medieval papacy — with human weakness and grace intertwined. You may ask Nicholas I the Great for intercession and look up his feast in the Roman calendar or Martyrology. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
St. Nicholas I the Great followed Pope Benedict III (104º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Adrian II (106º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.