Popes of the Theotokos
By Thomas V. Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Aug 03, 2026 | In Lives of the Popes (Podcast)
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Both of the popes featured in this installment are remembered for honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Most of our time will be spent on the first, St. Celestine, who is important chiefly for his involvement in the Council of Ephesus, which confirmed the title of Mary as Mother of God.
This episode covers the 43rd pope, St. Celestine I (422-432), and the 44th, St. Sixtus III (432-440).
Links
Article version: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/popes-theotokos/
Way of the Fathers on the Council of Ephesus https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/24-ephesus-mother-all-controversies/
Way of the Fathers on Nestorianism https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/415-heresiesnestorianism-two-people-in-one/
Philip Hughes, The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870 https://clunymedia.com/collections/philip-hughes/products/the-church-in-crisis
Thomas V. Mirus is President of Trinity Communications and Editor-in-Chief for CatholicCulture.org, hosts both the Catholic Culture Podcast and Lives of the Popes, and co-hosts Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast. See full bio.
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