Pope Anacletus
Pope Anacletus, also known as Cletus, was the bishop of Rome following Peter and Linus. He is traditionally credited with ordaining priests and establishing about twenty-five parishes in Rome. Anacletus is honored as a martyr, and his feast day is celebrated on April 26.
- Feast Day
- April 26
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Anacletus served as bishop of Rome between approximately AD 80 and his death around AD 92.
- ›He is traditionally credited with ordaining a number of priests during his papacy.
- ›Anacletus is traditionally credited with setting up about twenty-five parishes in Rome.
- ›He died a martyr, with his death possibly occurring around AD 91.
- ›His name, as Cletus, is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on April 26.
Cletus, Anencletus
About Pope Anacletus
Pope Anacletus, also referred to as Cletus, was the third bishop of Rome, succeeding Peter and Linus. Born around AD 15 and dying approximately in AD 92, his pontificate is generally placed between AD 80 and AD 92, though precise dates for early popes remain uncertain.
Life and Ministry
Anacletus was a Roman by birth. During his time as pope, he is traditionally credited with significant organizational work within the early Church in Rome. This includes the ordination of a number of priests and the establishment of approximately twenty-five parishes within the city. These efforts highlight his role in structuring the nascent Christian community in the Roman world.
Martyrdom and Veneration
According to tradition, Pope Anacletus died as a martyr, a fate that marked the end of his pontificate. A tomb ascribed to him is located near St. Peter's tomb in the Vatican Necropolis, though epigraphic evidence for the ascription of early papal tombs is limited. His name, as Cletus, is included in the Roman Canon of the Mass, a testament to his historical significance.
His feast day is celebrated on April 26th. Originally, separate feast days existed for Cletus and Anacletus, but these were unified under the name Cletus on April 26th in the 20th century. He is listed among the saints in the Roman Martyrology for this date.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Anacletus?
Pope Anacletus, also known as Cletus, was the bishop of Rome following Peter and Linus. He served between approximately AD 80 and his death around AD 92.
What is Pope Anacletus known for?
He is traditionally credited with ordaining priests and establishing about twenty-five parishes in Rome. Anacletus is also remembered as a martyr.
When is Pope Anacletus' feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on April 26. Previously, July 13 was also observed as a feast day for Saint Anacletus, but this was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1960.
What is the meaning of the names Cletus and Anacletus?
The name 'Cletus' means 'one who has been called', and 'Anacletus' means 'one who has been called back'. Both names are generally understood to refer to the same individual.
Where is Pope Anacletus buried?
A tomb ascribed to Anacletus is located near St. Peter's tomb in the Vatican Necropolis, underneath St. Peter's Basilica. However, little epigraphic evidence exists to definitively support this ascription.
Related Saints
Marcellinus
Pope Marcellinus served as the bishop of Rome from 296 to 304 AD, during a period of increasing persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian. He is venerated as a saint, though historical accusations suggest he may have renounced Christianity during this time before repenting, a claim rejected by figures like Augustine of Hippo. His pontificate is marked by the challenges faced by the early Church and the debate surrounding his fidelity.
Basil of Amasea
Basil of Amasea was a fourth-century Christian bishop and martyr. He is remembered for his firm adherence to Nicene theology and his martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Licinius.
Pope Marcellinus
Pope Marcellinus served as the bishop of Rome from 296 to 304 AD. He is remembered for his pontificate during Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. While some historical accounts accuse him of renouncing Christianity during this period, this accusation is rejected by figures like Augustine of Hippo, and he is venerated as a saint.