By Lyn Wilson
Pope Cletus, sometimes known as Anacletus, was the third Bishop of Rome after St. Peter and Linus. We know very little about this man’s life and yet his name is remembered through history.
Cletus was Roman, a disciple of St. Peter along with Bishop Linus the second Pope of Rome.
He succeeded his fellow disciple and perhaps friend Linus after he was martyred. While the exact dates of his service are up for debate it is generally accepted that the dates were 80-92 AD.
Tradition holds that Pope Cletus was responsible for dividing Rome into 25 parishes and ordained a number of priests.
His work ended at the hands of the Roman government, a martyr, just like his predecessors St. Peter and St. Linus. He is buried in the Vatican Necropolis next to St. Linus.
To be remembered for having held on to his faith even in the face of death is a great legacy. We may never be called on to give our lives for Christ as St. Cletus did; however, pray that we will not shrink from speaking up for our Savior when given the opportunity.
Sources:
LogoSophia Magazine 