Final answer:
Donatus, a Carthaginian bishop, led the resistance to the persecution as the leader of the Donatist movement in North Africa. The Donatists refused to accept those who had renounced their faith as leaders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The loyal priest who led the resistance to the persecution was Donatus, a Carthaginian bishop. He was the leader of the Donatist movement in North Africa, which emerged after the Edict of Milan in 313 granted religious toleration to Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. The Donatists refused to accept those who had renounced their faith as leaders and believed that any sacramental acts performed by these leaders were invalid.