Saint Linus
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| Saint Linus | |
| Feast Day | September 23 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Volterrae (modern Volterra), Tuscany, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Saint Linus (died c. 76–79 AD) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the first bishop of Rome after the Apostles and the immediate successor of Saint Peter, thus the second pope.[1] His name appears in the earliest papal lists, including those of Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180), Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 324), and the Liber Pontificalis (6th century), which unanimously place him immediately after Peter and assign him a pontificate of approximately twelve years.[2] Tradition identifies him as the Linus mentioned by Saint Paul in 2 Timothy 4:21, a Roman Christian who sent greetings to Timothy, though this identification cannot be confirmed with certainty.
Historical evidence for Linus’ life and ministry is extremely limited, consisting primarily of these early catalogues and brief mentions in patristic sources. The Liber Pontificalis attributes to him the decree that women should cover their heads in church, but this is widely regarded as a later anachronistic addition. According to tradition preserved in the Roman Martyrology, he suffered martyrdom and was buried near Saint Peter on the Vatican Hill, though no contemporary evidence confirms the manner of his death.[3] As an ancient pope, his veneration began in the early Church without formal canonization processes; his feast day is 23 September in the Roman Calendar. Archaeological excavations beneath St. Peter’s Basilica have not yielded definitive remains attributable to Linus, and scholarly consensus holds that details beyond his name and succession are unverifiable.[4]
Biography
Birth
Historical records concerning the birth of Saint Linus are unavailable. Ancient tradition, recorded in the Liber Pontificalis, states that he was born in Volterrae (modern Volterra) in Tuscany to a father named Herculeanus, but this information cannot be confirmed through primary sources and is considered legendary.[5]
Early Life
No reliable information exists regarding Linus’ life before his episcopacy. The identification with the Linus of 2 Timothy 4:21, while traditional, remains uncertain and cannot be established historically.[6]
Occupation
According to the earliest papal catalogues, Linus succeeded Saint Peter as bishop of Rome sometime between AD 67 (traditional date of Peter’s martyrdom) and the late 70s. His ministry would have involved leading the Roman Christian community during a period of persecution under Nero and the early Flavian emperors.[7]
Vocation
Linus’ vocation was that of the first successor to Saint Peter in the Roman see. The exact nature of early papal authority remains a matter of scholarly discussion, but ancient sources consistently present him as the immediate successor entrusted with leadership of the Roman Church.[8]
Death
Saint Linus died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 76–79 AD. The Roman Martyrology and early sources describe him as a martyr buried near Saint Peter on the Vatican Hill, though no contemporary evidence confirms martyrdom.[9]
Saint Linus met his end through martyrdom, according to long-standing tradition.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Peter as bishop of Rome (c. 67–79 AD), according to the earliest papal lists.
- Mentioned in the earliest catalogues of Roman bishops by Irenaeus, Eusebius, and others.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Volterrae (modern Volterra), Tuscany, Roman Empire
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
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Canonization
As an ancient bishop of Rome, Saint Linus 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 Linus, as his inclusion among the saints derives from ancient tradition and his role as successor to Saint Peter.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Linus.
Feast day
September 23
Veneration
Saint Linus is venerated as the second pope with a memorial on 23 September. His name is included in the Roman Canon and early martyrologies.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Linus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09272b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Linus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_lino_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Linus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=35.
- ↑ "Saint Linus". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Linus.
- ↑ "Pope St. Linus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09272b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Linus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_lino_en.html.
- ↑ "Saint Linus". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Linus.
- ↑ "Pope St. Linus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09272b.htm.
- ↑ "St. Linus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=35.