Saint Evaristus

Evaristus was bishop of Rome around the years 99 to 107, listed by Saint Irenaeus as the fourth successor of Saint Peter, after Linus, Anacletus and Clement. He led the Church during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, when Christians lived under the constant threat of persecution, and when the last of those who had known the apostles were passing away.

Very little is known for certain about his life. The Liber Pontificalis, written much later, says he was a Greek of Jewish descent, born in Bethlehem, and credits him with dividing Rome among priests in charge of particular churches, a step toward the later parishes. Ancient tradition honors him as a martyr and holds that he was buried near Saint Peter's tomb on the Vatican Hill. The Roman Martyrology commemorates him on October 26.

Evaristus is remembered in Rome as one of the first popes buried near Saint Peter, a sign of the unbroken line of bishops that links today's Church with the apostles.

The name Evaristo, which comes from him, is still given in Spain, Italy and Latin America, and many celebrate their name day today.