Pope St. Paul I (93º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy
Pontificate: 29 May 757 –28 June 767
St. Paul I was the 93rd pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 29 May 757 –28 June 767 during late antiquity. (Eastern) Roman citizen, later the sovereign of the independent Papal States. The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint.
Who Was Pope Paul I?
This biography of St. Paul I (93º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During late antiquity, 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 Paulus. Born circa 700 Rome, Exarchate of Ravenna, Eastern Roman Empire, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Paul I governed the Church during late antiquity — an age of imperial transition, barbarian invasions, and fierce theological debate over the nature of Christ. Bishops of Rome were increasingly seen as guardians of orthodoxy for the entire Christian world.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (29 May 757 –28 June 767) centered on governance during late antiquity. Was of Roman ethnicity. Brother of Stephen II.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Paul I 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
- 93rd pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 29 May 757 –28 June 767
- Venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
- Shepherded the Church during late antiquity
- Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list
Legacy in the Catholic Church
St. Paul I remains pope 93º in the Annuario Pontificio. The Church venerates his feast and holds up his virtues for imitation. Read against late antiquity, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying St. Paul I helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through late antiquity — with human weakness and grace intertwined. You may ask Paul I 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. Paul I followed Pope Stephen II (92º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Stephen III (94º), 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.