Saint Innocent I was born at Albano, Italy. On December 22, 401 he succeeded Pope Saint Anastasius I. He emphasized papal supremacy and commended the bishops of Africa for referring the decrees of their councils at Carthage and Millevis in 416 condemning Pelagianism. It was his confirmation of these decrees that caused Augustine to make a remark Roma locuta, causa finitas (Rome has spoken, the matter is ended). Earlier Innocent had stressed to Bishop Saint Victrius and the Spanish bishops that matters of great importance were to be referred to Rome for settlement. Innocent strongly favored clerical celibacy and fought the unjust removal of Saint John Chrysostom. He vainly sought help from Emperor Honorius at Revenna when the Goths under Alaric captured and sacked Rome. Innocent died in Rome on March 12.

His feast day is July 28th.