Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome before his martyrdom.
He is described in early Christian tradition as a Roman priest who ministered to Christians during a period of persecution. Accounts connect him with imprisonment, charitable service, and conversion efforts before his execution, traditionally dated to February 14, 269.
A common mix-up comes from the existence of more than one early Christian martyr named Valentine. Valentine of Terni is traditionally described as a bishop of Interamna, the ancient name for modern Terni. That bishop’s identity and story became intertwined with the Roman priest’s in later hagiography.
The surviving accounts were written long after the alleged events and include legendary elements, so historians are cautious about details. Even so, “priest” is the standard traditional description of Valentine of Rome, while “bishop” belongs chiefly to Valentine of Terni.