Saint Anacletus became the head of the church and the third pope after the martyrdom of St. (Pope) Linus. He was elected in AD79. Not much is recorded about him in church history or tradition. Historians and historical records attest to the fact that Anacletus and Cletus are the same persons. This fact is further testified by the Church fathers St. Irenaeus and St. Augustine.

St. Anacletus was a Roman citizen. His father's name was Emilianus. According to Roman history, the name Anaclitus was a common name given to Roman slaves. Hence the name implies that Pope Anacletus was a slave before his conversion.

Tradition records that Anacletus knew Peter and worked closely with him. It is said that St. Peter ordained Anacletus and made him a priest, which led to him later becoming pope. His reign lasted for about twelve years. He led the church boldly during the reigns of the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus and the religious persecution of their successor, Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96). Church tradition states that he divided the church in Rome into twenty-five parishes and appointed each one person as their pastor.

The persecution of Christians during the reign of Emperor Domitian was one of the greatest persecutions the Church faced after the persecution of Emperor Nero. Under the pretense that he was an incarnation of God, he commanded that all the peoples of the Roman Empire should worship him as Lord and God (Dominus et deus). Those who disobeyed this commandment faced severe punishment.

Christians who worshiped Christ as the only God and Lord refused to worship Domitian emperor as God and Lord. They were subsequently persecuted. During this period of religious persecution, Pope Anacletus was also martyred. His body is buried at the Vatican near the graves of his predecessors.

The Feast of Saint Anacletus is celebrated on April 26th.

transl. SM