What did Pope St Hyginus do?

Answer 1

A:

We know almost nothing about Pope Hyginus other than uncertain traditions. He is included in Ireneus' list of popes but the same list includes first-century popes who probably never existed, so it is also possible that Pope St. Hyginus did not exist. It is unclear whether the role of bishop had yet been instituted in Rome, or whether the church of Rome was still led by a college of presbyters.

Hyginus is traditionally thought to have been bishop of Rome from 138 to142, but would certainly not yet have used the title of 'pope'. According to tradition he determined the various prerogatives of the clergy and defined the grades of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. However, modern scholars tend to doubt this claim. We do not know how he died, and there is no ancient source to say that he was a martyr.

Answer:

Hyginus was pope from 138-140. He died a martyr for his Christian faith, as did many Christians of the time. During his time as Bishop of Rome he is thought to have delineated various levels of religious leadership, though this is uncertain.