Conversion
He is said to have converted after a long mental struggle. He was baptised by sprinkling.Schism
He strongly opposed the readmittance of Christians who chose to go back to idol worship to avoid the persecution under Emperor Decius. Like Antipope Hippolytus (217-235), he strongly critised the Pontificate for the laxness growing in the Roman Church. When Pope Cornelius (251-253), who supported the laxity, was elected pope, the opposing bishops elected Novatianus as pope. Cornelius immediately called a synod, where he excommunicated Novatianus and his supporters. This resulting schism was called "Novatianism" (Greek Cathari), and would last 200 years, until a deal was made at the Council of Nice, readmitting them back into the Roman Church.Letters
Novatianus was the first Roman Christian who wrote in Latin. He wrote on many controversial subjects, including the passover, the sabbath, circumcision, priesthood, food of the Jews, and many others. Because his writings were of high value, a number of them had their authorship changed. On the basis of style and other evidence, scholars have been able to correct the forgary of authorship.Death
Novatianus fled during a period of persecution, and may have been a martyr.236-250: Pope Fabian
249-251: Roman Emperor, Trajan Decius
251-253: Pope Cornelius
251-253: Roman Emperor, Gallus
251-253: Roman Emperor, Volusianus
