In some early sources, Evaristus is listed as the the fourth pope that oversaw the new Church for eight years. However, the prayers stated during the Eucharistic prayers clearly list him as the fifth pope: “Peter, Linus, Cletus, Clement, and Evaristus.”

He was son of a Greek Jew from Bethlehem. Legend has it that he divided Rome into seven parishes and assigned seven deacons to serve them. He has been known as a martyr, but this has not been proven. He is probably buried near St. Peter in the Vatican.

His relics rest in the Basilica reliquary chapel.

St. Evaristus, early pope of the Church, pray for us!

Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Evaristus is used with permission from Catholic Online. Last accessed October 4, 2024.