Pope Saint Anicetus

Anicetus was born in Emesa, Syria, and became bishop of Rome around 155, about a century after Saints Peter and Paul. Rome at that time attracted teachers of many kinds, and Anicetus worked to protect the faithful from Gnostic and Marcionite teachings that distorted the Gospel.

His best-known act was his meeting with the aged Saint Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna and disciple of Saint John the Apostle. They discussed the date of Easter, which the churches of Asia Minor celebrated on the fourteenth day of the Jewish month of Nisan, while Rome kept it on Sunday. They could not agree, yet, as Saint Irenaeus records, they parted in peace, and Anicetus invited Polycarp to celebrate the Eucharist in his church as a sign of communion. Anicetus died around 166. Later tradition honors him as a martyr, and his remains are venerated in Rome.

Anicetus is remembered in Rome, and his relics were placed in the chapel of the Altemps palace. His meeting with Polycarp is often recalled as an early model of charity and unity amid different traditions.