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Saint Apollinaris was a first-century Bishop, martyr, and thought to be a disciple of St. Peter. He was born in Antioch, Turkey, and became the first bishop of Ravenna, in Italy. He suffered exile because of his preaching and was responsible for many converts. When Emperor Vespasian banished Christians, Apollinaris was beaten by a mob and reputedly died soon after from his wounds. The bones of St Apollinaris rest within the main altar of this Saint Apollinaris in Classe Ravenna, Italy (not this church in Rome). 
▲ Pictured above is an exterior photo of St. Apollinaris Below the main altar are many relics from Eastern martyrs. Church Building History • Founded by Pope Hadrian I around 780, on the remains of pre-existing Roman buildings • 1284 a Chapter of Canons held the church • 1494 fresco of The Virgin, Queen of Apostles added • 1562 became a parish church • 1574 granted to the Jesuits by Pope Gregory XIII • 1702 a chapel was redecorated and dedicated to St Francis Xavier • 1773 church was passed to the Lazarists • 1742 Pope Benedict XIV commissioned Ferdinando Fuga to rebuild the church • 1795 Francesco Antonio Zaccaria, writer and archaeologist buried in the Chapel of St Ignatius of Loyola • 1825 it housed was the Pontifical Roman Seminary • 1884 future Pope Pius X was consecrated a bishop this church • 1984 the church was elevated to minor basilica status • 1990, the church was granted to Opus Dei 
 
 Beatification of Pius X Scott 145-148 (1951)  Benedict IV Scott 1141 (2000)
References • George Weigel, "Thursday Of The Fifth Week Of Lent - Station at St. Apollinaris" Roman Pilgrimage - The Station Churches Basic Books, Copyright 2013, pages 266-273 • Sant'Apollinare, Rome Wikipedia • St. Apollinaris Catholic On-Line The exterior church picture is from Wikipedia which is above |
