Pope Saint Evaristus

Pope Saint Evaristus was the fifth pope, holding office from c. 97 to 105. He was also known as Aristus. Little is known about Saint Evaristus.

St Evaristus succeeded St Clement in the See of Rome during the reign of Trajan and governed the Church for about eight years, as the fourth successor of St. Peter.

The Liber Pontificalis says that he was the son of a Hellenic Jew of Bethlehem, and that he divided Rome into several “titles” or Parishes, assigning a priest to each, and appointed seven deacons for the city. He is usually accorded the title of martyr, but his martyrdom is not proven. It is probable that St Evaristus was buried near St Peter’s tomb in the Vatican. His feast day is celebrated on October 26.