Pope St. Cletus

April 26

Pope Saint Cletus, also known as Anacletus, was the third Pope of the Catholic Church, succeeding Saint Peter. Born in Greece, he was brought to the faith by Saint Peter himself and ordained as a priest by the apostle.

Little is known about Pope Saint Cletus's life and papacy, as historical documents provide scarce information. However, it is widely believed that he served as Pope during the late 1st century, possibly from around 76 AD to 88 AD. As the successor to Saint Peter, he played a crucial role in the early development of the Church.

During his pontificate, Pope Saint Cletus is said to have ordained an unknown number of priests. His commitment to expanding and strengthening the priesthood reflects his dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel and nurturing the growing Christian community.

Pope Saint Cletus's tenure as Pope was marked by the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Domitian. Like many early Christians, he courageously faced martyrdom for his unwavering faith. It is believed that Cletus was martyred around the year 89 AD.

Saint Augustine of Hippo, an influential theologian and bishop of the 4th and 5th centuries, mentioned a figure named Cletus in one of his works. Although there is debate among scholars, some believe that this Cletus could be the same person as Pope Saint Cletus.

Pope Saint Cletus is honored in the Catholic Church as a martyr and a saint. His name is included in the Canon of the Mass, a definitive list of saints recognized by the Church. His feast day is celebrated on April 26th, although it was formerly observed on July 13th.

Relics associated with Pope Saint Cletus are housed in the Church of Saint Linus, located within Vatican City. These relics serve as a tangible reminder of his enduring legacy and the sacrifices made by early Christians who truly lived out their faith.

While much about Pope Saint Cletus remains a mystery, his significance as a devoted follower of Christ and a shepherd of the early Church cannot be underestimated. Through his example, he continues to inspire believers to remain faithful in the face of adversity and to dedicate themselves to the mission of Christ.

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