Pope
Alexander I was born
to a noble Roman family, and although Pope Alexander I ruled during a tranquil
time, he is known for his legendary battles with the Gnostic heretics.
Pope
Alexander I
introduced holy water and also the blessing of houses with water purified with
salt to ward off evil spirits.
Pope
Alexander I is said to have been beheaded on a road outside Rome named
Via Nomentana. Others claim that another man named Alexander was
the martyr on that day.
Pope
Alexander I's feast
day is May 3.
