Roman Catholic Diocese of Cervia

[4] That suffragan status was confirmed by Pope Calixtus II on 7 January 1121, in the bull "Etsi Universae".

According to his legend,[6] he was returning with Viticanus, Bishop of Cagli, from the Roman council held in 501 to treat accusations made against Pope Symmachus, when he was assaulted and killed by bandits.

[10] During the episcopate of Bishop Rusticus (1219), in 1224 Cervia was placed under an interdict for its maltreatment of a certain Gerardus, an envoy of the Archbishop of Ravenna.

In expiation, the bishop and magistrates instituted an annual procession from the city to Santa Maria del Pino, bearing the remains of the martyr S.

[17] In 1766, the city of Cervia, which was subject to the civil jurisdiction of the papacy in the legation of the Romandiola, contained around 800 persons.

[18] The cathedral of Cervia was dedicated to the taking up of the body (Assumption) of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

It was administered and staffed by a corporation called the Chapter, consisting of two dignities (the Archdeacon and the Provost) and eight canons.