St Evaristus

Who he was

Evaristus succeeded St Clement as Bishop of Rome at the turn of the first and second centuries and led the Church for about eight years. According to the Liber Pontificalis he was of Greek family, the son of a Jew from Bethlehem. The earliest sources record little more than his place in the succession.

What he is remembered for

Later tradition credited him with organising the clergy of Rome, though that probably belongs to a later age, and counted him a martyr, which cannot be proved. He is believed to have been buried near St Peter on the Vatican Hill. His feast is 26 October.

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

Sources

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