Pope Anacletus

Anacletus (also Anenkletus, Anakletus, Anacletus, Cletus, Anencletus ) (* Rome? † July 13, 88 () in Rome) was the third bishop of Rome, probably identical with Pope Kletus.

Life

Anacletus was among slaves a very common name, so you can at least say something about his social standing in front of his pontificate as Pope.

Eusebius of Caesarea, Irenaeus, Augustine and Optatus of Mileve consider Kletus and Anacletus as the same person, but do not agree on the order of the first bishops of Rome: Irenaeus mentions Linus, Anacletus, Clement. Augustine and Optatus, however, mention Linus, Clemens, Anacletus. The Liberian Catalogue, Carmen contra Marcionem, the Liber Pontificalis and the Catholic Missal indicate that Anacletus and Kletus are different people. According to them Kletus was the successor of Linus 76-89, Anacletus succeeded him as pope, and died 91

According to other catalogs Anacletus was twelve years Bishop of Rome ( about 77 to 88 according to other sources since 76) and died a martyr on July 13, 88 However, this is a legend; even the myth that he had come to Rome 25 presbyters who were to erect a monument over the grave of Peter, has long been refuted by scientific evidence. From Anacletus stirs the still valid provision ago that bishops are of three other bishops received the consecration, priests, however, by their own bishops.

His relics are preserved in the church of Saint Linus (Vatican City).

Occasionally, he is numbered with Roman numeral I.; but this is unnecessary because his only name Anacletus II was a successor antipope.

Remembrance

The feast day of St. Kletus is April 26th for Anacletus also July 13 is called.

His name means: the Exquisite (Greek and Latin. )