Birthplace
Tuscany
Pope from
c. 68
Pope until
c. 79
Died
c. 79
Who he was
Linus was the first to lead the Church of Rome after the deaths of Sts Peter and Paul; every early list of Roman bishops puts him straight after Peter. St Irenaeus identified him with the Linus whom St Paul greets in his Second Letter to Timothy. The Liber Pontificalis says he came from Tuscany and that his father was called Herculanus, but little else is known of him.
What he is remembered for
He is remembered as the second pope and is named in the Roman Canon of the Mass. Later tradition called him a martyr and said he was buried near St Peter on the Vatican Hill, though neither can be proved. His feast is 23 September.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints