St. Telesphore, Pope ad Martyr

St. Telesphorus was the Bishop of Rome and Pope from around 126 to 136 AD. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Catholic Church. Telesphorus is believed to have been of Greek origin and to have suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. As Pope, he is credited with establishing the tradition of celebrating the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Telesphorus is the patron saint of Roman Catholic diocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.