When Rome Became Christian

We possess no certain information about Saint Sylvester prior to his election to the Chair of Peter in 314, the year in which he succeeded Pope Miltiades. According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was the son of a Roman named Rufinus. Some traditions hold that he openly professed the faith already under Emperor Diocletian, a circumstance that may have favored his choice as leader of the Christian community.