Celestine I, Saint [key], d. 432, pope (422–32), an Italian; successor of St. Boniface I. The opposition of St. Cyril of Alexandria to Nestorianism inspired both sides to appeal to the pope, who judged that Nestorius should be excommunicated if he refused to retract. Celestine sent legates to the Council of Ephesus with orders not to discuss, but to judge. Celestine also advanced orthodoxy in the West by combatting Pelagianism in Gaul and by sending Germanus of Auxerre to Britain. He was succeeded by St. Sixtus III. Feast: July 27.
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