Pope Anicetus

bishop of Rome from c. 157 to 168

Pope Anicetus (ca. 155-166), was the tenth Pope of the Catholic Church, the official title is the Bishop of Rome. During his time as Pope, Rome became a center of Christian knowledge with the teachings of St. Hegesippus, St. Justin Martyr and St. Polycarp, a follower of St. John the Evangelist.[2]

Pope Saint

Anicetus
Bishop of Rome
SeeHoly See
Papacy beganc. 157
Papacy endedc. 20 April 168
PredecessorPius I
SuccessorSoter
Personal details
Bornlate 1st century
Emesa, Phoenice
DiedApril 168
Rome, Roman Empire
Sainthood
Feast day20 April (West)
17 April[1] (East)
AttributesPapal tiara, palm branch

During his time as Pope, there were many discussions of when, exactly, the feast of the Resurrection (Easter) should be celebrated. This Pope favored the custom of celebrating Easter on a Sunday while others thought it should be celebrated on Passover, whatever day of the week that it should fall on. Anacetus's practice of celebrating Easter on Sunday was maintained while members of the Eastern Church favored Passover.[3]


His feast day is celebrated on April 17.[4]

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References change

  1. (in Greek) Άγιος Ανίκητος ο Ιερομάρτυρας πάπας Ρώμης Ορθόδοξος Συναξαριστής
  2. Richard P. McBrien, Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to John Paul II, (San Francisco:Harper San Francisco, 1997, p. 39
  3. Richard P. McBrien, Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to John Paul II, (San Francisco:Harper San Francisco, 1997, p. 40
  4. Catholic Encyclopedia, (NY:Robert Appleton Company) [1]