Athleta Christi (Latin: "Champion of Christ") was a class of Early Christian soldier martyrs or military saints, of whom the most familiar example is probably Saint Sebastian.
It also could be used to refer to Christians with exemplary martial prowess, especially when fighting against non-Christians or heretics.
Since the 15th century, the title has been a political one, granted by Popes to men who have led military campaigns defending Christianity.
The militant Catholic hymn Athleta Christi nobilis ("Noble Champion of the Lord"), a hymn for Matins on 18 May, the feast of Saint Venantius, was written in the 17th century by an unknown author.
[1] Those who have held the title include: This article about history of Christianity is a stub.