Pope Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian were close friends who worked together to fight heresy. In this case a heresy that would lead to the first anti-pope who believed that those who rejected the faith (apostates) could not repent and be forgiven.
After much debate and joining of forces with another rivaling sect, led to confusion within Rome. Pope Cornelius called the bishops together (synod) in hopes of resolving these issues.
Later the persecution of the Christians by Emperor Gallus led to his exile. However, he died on route in the year 251.
During this time, his friend Cyprian was the bishop of Carthage. He assisted in teaching the need for repentance for apostates. He encouraged the apostates to come forward and rededicate themselves to Christ. They did not need to be baptized again because there was only one baptism needed to become a child of God.
While Cornelius was sent to exile for his actions, Cyprian would be sentenced to death and was beheaded under the rule of Valerian
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