Marcel 1st, Native of Rome, was the 30th pope of the catholic church from May 27, 308 to January 309, He succeeded Marcellin (296-304) after four years of vacancy of the pontifical siege, at a time when the persecutions against Christians were very great.

Marcel the first had to reorganize worship in temporary buildings, the churches having been sacked under Diocletian, by establishing twenty-five presbyteries in Rome. He also had to deal with apostate Christians, who had denied Christ since the persecution of Emperor Decius and would have demanded an act of penance from them.

The emperor Maxence, annoyed by the outspokenness of Saint Marcel, would have enslaved him andturned into a groom.

The Golden Legend reports that Pope Marcel was caught celebrating Mass in the home of a Lady. Emperor Maximian had the rich mansion converted into a stable and condemned the pontiff to keep the cattle.

Marcel the first was probably dead on January 16, 309 and has been buried in Roma, in in Priscilla's catacomb where many martyrs lie.