Saint Fabian succeeded Saint Anterus as pope in to 236 AD. The historian Eusebius describes Fabians election as pope: Fabian was a layman, and a stranger in Rome at the time of the election. When a dove settled up on his head, those around  him were reminded of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism. The event was seen as divine intervention. Fabian was chosen, pope and reigned for 14 years. He was murdered during a persecution in 250 AD. Saint Cyprian records that Fabian was an "incomparable man". His tombstone can still be seen in the catacombs of Saint Callixtus in Rome.

We know only that Saint Sebastian was martyred in Rome, probably in the third century, and buried along the Appian way, in the catacombs. Saint Ambrose writes that Sebastian came from Milan, where he has been venerated since the fourth century. The Acts of Saint Sebastian was written in the fifth century and is, for the most part, fictitious. Not until the late mediaeval period was Sebastian pictured pierced with arrows are holding an arrow. 

In May 2010 Benedict XVI entrusted newly sworn in Swiss guards, to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and to their patron saints. Sebastian is the patron saint of the pope's Swiss guard. He’s also the patron saint of athletes and soldiers.