Saint Anacletus
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| Saint Anacletus | |
| Feast Day | April 26 (traditional); July 13 (current Roman Martyrology) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Saint Anacletus (also Anencletus or Cletus; died c. 88–91 AD) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the third bishop of Rome after Saint Peter and Saint Linus, thus the third pope.[1] He appears in the earliest papal catalogues of Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180), Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 324), and the Liber Pontificalis (6th century), which consistently place him after Linus and assign him a pontificate of approximately twelve years (c. 79–91 AD).[2] The Liber Pontificalis states that he was a Roman by birth, of the Aemilius family, and that he ordained a number of priests and divided Rome into parishes—details now regarded by scholars as later interpolations.
Historical evidence for Anacletus is extremely scarce. Some early sources (including Tertullian and Rufinus) list only one pope named Cletus/Anacletus, while others distinguish between Cletus and Anacletus as separate figures, a confusion that persisted until the 4th century. Modern scholarship generally treats them as the same person, with “Anacletus” being the official name and “Cletus” a diminutive.[3] Tradition holds that he suffered martyrdom and was buried near Saint Peter on the Vatican Hill, though no contemporary evidence confirms this. As an ancient pope, his veneration began in the early Church without formal canonization processes; his feast is celebrated on 26 April in the traditional calendar and 13 July in the current Roman Martyrology (together with Saint Cletus, reflecting the historical conflation).[4]
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Anacletus. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was a Roman of the Aemilius family from the Vicus Patricius district, but this information cannot be verified and is considered legendary.[5]
Early Life
No information survives regarding Anacletus’ life before his episcopacy. The identification with the Cletus mentioned in some early lists remains the only point of reference.
Occupation
According to the earliest catalogues, Anacletus succeeded Saint Linus as bishop of Rome around AD 79 and led the Church for approximately twelve years until his death c. 88–91.[6]
Vocation
Anacletus’ vocation was that of bishop of Rome during a period of consolidation for the early Christian community, likely under the Flavian emperors. Later traditions attribute to him the establishment of clerical orders and the requirement that bishops be consecrated by three other bishops, but these are anachronistic.
Death
Saint Anacletus died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 88–91 AD. The Roman Martyrology describes him as a martyr buried near Saint Peter on the Vatican Hill, though no contemporary evidence supports martyrdom.[7]
Saint Anacletus met his end through martyrdom, according to long-standing tradition.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Linus as bishop of Rome (c. 79–91 AD), according to the earliest papal lists.
- Listed in the earliest catalogues of Roman bishops by Irenaeus, Eusebius, and others.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Canonization
As an ancient bishop of Rome, Saint Anacletus was venerated from the earliest centuries without formal canonization processes. His name appears in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) and the Roman Martyrology.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles are recorded for Saint Anacletus.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Anacletus.
Feast day
April 26 (traditional); July 13 (current Roman Martyrology, with Saint Cletus)
Veneration
Saint Anacletus is venerated as the third pope with a memorial on 13 July (shared with Cletus). His name is included in the Roman Canon.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Anacletus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01448a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Anacletus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_anacleto_en.html.
- ↑ "Saint Anacletus". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Anacletus.
- ↑ "St. Anacletus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=36.
- ↑ "Pope St. Anacletus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01448a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Anacletus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_anacleto_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Anacletus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=36.