Antipope Novatian

Novatian (2XX - 258) was a scholar and antipope who held the title between 251 and 258.

A noted theologian and writer, at a time when there was much debate about how to deal with Christians who had lapsed and wished to return, and the issue of penance. Consecrated as pope by three bishops in 251, and adopted a more rigorous position than the established Pope, Cornelius. Novatian was shortly afterwards excommunicated: the schismatic church which he established persisted for several centuries. Novatian fled during a period of persecutions, and may have been a martyr.