Pope Hyginus was the Bishop of Rome and served as the pope from around 138 to 142 AD. He is recognized as the ninth pope in the line of succession from Saint Peter, the first pope. Hyginus is known for his efforts to organize the early Christian community and establish church governance. During his papacy, Hyginus addressed various theological issues and promoted the importance of the sacraments. He is often credited with introducing the concept of the episcopacy, which helped define the role of bishops in the church. His leadership contributed to the growth and stability of early Christianity.