According to one tradition, Saint Peter passed it on to his successors (the Popes) until Sixtus II in 258, when Christians were being persecuted by Emperor Valerian, and the Romans demanded that relics be turned over to the government.
Saint Peter passed it on to his successors (the Popes) until Sixtus II in 258. This was according to one tradition. Christians were being persecuted by Emperor Valerian. Relics be turned over to the government. This was what the Romans demanded according to one tradition.