Pope from
c. 218
Pope until
c. 222
Died
c. 222
Who he was
Callistus, also spelt Callixtus, had been a slave who managed a bank for his Christian master, failed, and was sent to the mines of Sardinia before being freed. Pope Zephyrinus made him a deacon and put him in charge of the Christian cemetery on the Via Appia, which still bears his name, and he succeeded Zephyrinus as pope.
What he is remembered for
He condemned the errors of Sabellius on the Trinity and was attacked by the rival bishop Hippolytus, who is our main source for his life. He died a martyr and was buried on the Via Aurelia; his relics now rest in Santa Maria in Trastevere. His feast is 14 October.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints