The later saint (also known regionally as Pankraz or Gratz) was born around 290 in Phrygia in what is now Turkey as the son of a rich Roman and was martyred at a very young age in Rome around 304. According to legend, he travelled to Rome with his uncle Dionys in 303. The name means "the one who conquers all". He used his inherited fortune to help the persecuted Christians there, especially those imprisoned for their faith.
After the death of his uncle, Pankratius was caught up in one of Emperor Diocletian's (236-312) persecution orders and brought before the emperor. Despite all the temptations, the 14-year-old refused to be dissuaded from his faith, so he was publicly beheaded and his body thrown to the dogs. In the year 500, a church was built over his grave, where the present-day church of San Pancrazio stands (pictured left).
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