This week in Christian history: Megachurch dedicates a 62-foot statue of Jesus; Damasus becomes pope

Damasus I becomes pope – Oct. 1, 366

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Damasus I, who would later receive the honor of being the patron saint of archaeologists, became head of the Roman Catholic Church.

A deacon when elected pope, Damasus was known for his efforts to stamp out heresy, the building of churches and was crucial to making Latin the official language of the Catholic mass.

“Damasus was the first pope to refer to Rome as the apostolic see, to distinguish it as that established by St. Peter the Apostle, the traditional founder of the church,” noted Britannica.

“He was notable also for his work in discovering the tombs of martyrs, for which he wrote many verse inscriptions, and was responsible for the restoration of Rome’s catacombs.”

Damasus I reigned until he died in 384.