First Martyrs of the See of Rome Commemorated on June 30
The Catholic Church honors the Protomartyrs of Rome, who were falsely accused of arson by Emperor Nero, on a day that also marks Social Media Day
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Catholic Church recognizes the First Martyrs of the See of Rome as the Saint of the Day. Also known as the Protomartyrs of Rome, this group of holy men and women suffered under the Roman Emperor Nero. Nero falsely accused the early Christian community of burning the city of Rome, a destructive act he had actually committed himself to cover up his own crimes.[2]
The historical accounts detail the extreme cruelty of their executions. Some of the martyrs were crucified, while others were thrown to wild animals. Additionally, some were used as living torches to light up Nero's evening banquets. Because these individuals died before Saint Peter and Saint Paul, they are traditionally called disciples of the Apostles whom the Holy Roman Church sent to their Lord before the Apostles' own deaths.[2]
In addition to the religious commemoration of the Roman protomartyrs, June 30, 2026, is also recognized globally as Social Media Day, representing a modern contrast to the ancient historical observances of the day.[1]
