Saint Anacletus

Pope Anacletus (born c. AD 15 – died c. AD 92), also known as Cletus, was the bishop of Rome, following Peter and Linus. Anacletus served between c. AD 80 and his death, c. AD 92. Cletus was a Roman who, during his tenure as pope, ordained a number of priests and is traditionally credited with setting up about twenty-five parishes in Rome. Although the precise dates of his pontificate are uncertain, he "died a martyr, perhaps about 91". Cletus is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the mass; his feast day is April 26. The name "Cletus" (Ancient Greek: Κλητος, romanized: Klētos) means "one who has been called", and "Anacletus" (Ancient Greek: Ἀνάκλητος, romanized: Anaklētos) means "one who has been called back". Also "Anencletus" (Ancient Greek: Ἀνάγκλητος) means "unimpeachable" or "blameless". The Roman Martyrology mentions the pope as "Cletus". The Annuario Pontificio gives both forms. Eusebius, Irenaeus, Augustine of Hippo and Optatus all suggest that both names refer to the same individual, while the Liberian Catalogue counts Cletus and Anacletus as separate popes. As with many of the early popes, little is known of Anacletus' pontificate. Earlier historical records are inconsistent in their usage of the names Cletus, Anacletus, and Anencletus and in the placement of these names in the order of succession. Generally, the order used by Irenaeus is used today, wherein Cletus and Anacletus refer to the same person, who succeeded Linus and preceded Clement. Traditionally, it was accepted that he reigned for twelve years, though the dates of that reign are questionable. The 2012 Annuario Pontificio states, "For the first two centuries, the dates of the start and the end of the pontificate are uncertain", before placing Anacletus' pontificate from 80 to 92. These are the years given by Eusebius and Jerome. However, 76 to 88 are also frequently cited. According to tradition, Pope Anacletus divided Rome into twenty-five parishes.