St Anicetus

Who he was

Anicetus succeeded St Pius I in the middle of the second century; the dates of this period are confused and cannot be fixed exactly. Tradition says he came from Emesa in Syria.

What he is remembered for

He is best remembered for receiving the aged St Polycarp of Smyrna, who came to Rome to discuss the date of Easter; they could not agree, but parted in peace, and Anicetus left Polycarp free to keep the feast as his own church did. The historian Hegesippus also visited Rome in his time. Tradition counts him a martyr.

He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope St. Anicetus
• The Holy See: list of the Supreme Pontiffs