Saint Linus
The Second Pope of the Catholic Church and Successor of Saint Peter
Feast Day: September 23
Saint Linus — Pope and Martyr according to ancient tradition
Second Pope of the Catholic Church
Saint Linus occupies a unique place in the history of Christianity. He was the first successor of Saint Peter as Bishop of Rome and is recognized by the Catholic Church as the second Pope.
The Vatican lists Saint Linus as the second Pope of the Catholic Church, with his pontificate traditionally dated from 68 to 79. He belonged to the first generation of Christians who lived close to the Apostles and helped guide the Church during its earliest years.
Very little is known with certainty about his personal life. Yet his importance in the history of the Church is immense. He stands at the beginning of the unbroken succession of the Bishops of Rome that continues to the present day.
Saint Linus is also mentioned by name in the Second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy:
“Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren salute thee.”
— 2 Timothy 4:21
Early Christian tradition identified this Linus with the man who became the successor of Saint Peter. Saint Irenaeus, writing in the second century, explicitly names Linus as the first Bishop of Rome after the Apostles.
His feast is celebrated on September 23.
Who Was Saint Linus?
Saint Linus was one of the earliest leaders of the Christian community in Rome.
According to the ancient tradition preserved in the Liber Pontificalis, Linus came from Tuscany and was the son of a man named Herculanus. However, these biographical details cannot be established with the same certainty as his place in the succession of the Roman bishops.
The ancient tradition presents him as a man who came to know the Christian faith through the preaching of the Apostles and eventually became an important collaborator in the early Church.
His name appears in Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, written during the Apostolic age. The Linus mentioned by Saint Paul is traditionally identified with the future Bishop of Rome.
This connection places Saint Linus among the Christians who belonged to the earliest generation of the Church.
Saint Linus and Saint Peter
The most important fact about Saint Linus is his relationship with Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles.
According to the ancient tradition of the Church, Linus worked closely with Peter in Rome.
Saint Irenaeus, one of the most important witnesses to early Christian tradition, gives the succession of the Roman bishops as:
Peter → Linus → Anacletus/Cletus → Clement.
This succession is also reflected in several other ancient lists of the Bishops of Rome.
Thus, when Saint Peter completed his earthly mission, Linus became the leader of the Christian community in Rome.
The significance of this cannot be overstated.
The Church in Rome was still a small and persecuted community. Christianity had not yet become accepted by the Roman Empire. The followers of Jesus lived in a world in which proclaiming the Gospel could bring suspicion, hostility, imprisonment, and even death.
Saint Linus therefore received an enormous responsibility.
He had to preserve the faith received from the Apostles and strengthen the Christian community that had been entrusted to his care.
Linus: The Second Pope
Saint Linus is recognized by the Catholic Church as the second Pope.
The Vatican’s official list of the Popes places:
- Saint Peter
- Saint Linus
- Saint Anacletus or Cletus
- Saint Clement
The Vatican gives Linus’ pontificate as 68–79.
The title “Pope” was not yet used in the same developed sense in the first century. Linus was, however, the Bishop of Rome and successor of Saint Peter, and the Catholic Church recognizes him as the second Pope.
His pontificate belongs to the earliest period of the Church, when the memory and teaching of the Apostles were still very close.
A Man of the Apostolic Church
Saint Linus lived at a remarkable moment in Christian history.
The Apostles had preached the Gospel throughout the Roman world. Communities of believers were beginning to grow in different cities. The Church was spreading, but it was also facing opposition.
The first Christian leaders had to preserve the teachings handed down by Christ and the Apostles.
They had to:
- Teach the Gospel faithfully
- Celebrate the Sacraments
- Strengthen Christian communities
- Ordain ministers
- Encourage believers during persecution
- Protect the Apostolic faith
- Maintain unity among Christians
Saint Linus carried out this responsibility at the very beginning of the Church’s long history.
His ministry reminds us that the Church did not begin centuries after Jesus.
It began with Christ and the Apostles, and from the earliest days the Apostolic faith was transmitted from one generation to another.
Saint Linus and the Christian Community in Rome
Rome was one of the most important cities of the ancient world.
It was the centre of the Roman Empire and a major crossroads of peoples, cultures, religions, and ideas.
The Christian community in Rome therefore had enormous importance.
Saint Peter had preached there and eventually suffered martyrdom there. After Peter’s death, Linus continued the leadership of the Roman Christian community.
The succession from Peter to Linus is particularly important because it shows the Church’s early understanding of the importance of apostolic succession.
The Christian faith was not intended to be reinvented by every generation.
It was to be faithfully received, preserved, proclaimed, and handed on.
Saint Linus in the Letter of Saint Paul
One of the most beautiful connections between Saint Linus and the New Testament is found in 2 Timothy 4:21.
Saint Paul writes:
“Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren salute thee.”
This short verse contains an important historical witness.
The Apostle Paul names Linus among the Christians connected with the Roman community.
Later Christian tradition identified this Linus with the successor of Saint Peter.
Although the verse itself does not call Linus a bishop or Pope, the identification was preserved in early Christian tradition and is explicitly made by Saint Irenaeus.
Thus, when Catholics celebrate Saint Linus, they are celebrating a man whose name is connected both with Sacred Scripture and with the earliest succession of the Roman Church.
Tradition About His Origins
The material traditionally associated with Saint Linus says that he came from Tuscany, and the Vatican also lists his origin as Tuscia.
Later traditions associate him particularly with Volterra.
According to the Liber Pontificalis, his father’s name was Herculanus. However, these details come from later sources and are not as firmly established as his succession to Saint Peter.
The traditions surrounding his early life portray him as a man who abandoned worldly ambitions in order to dedicate himself to Christ.
Whether every detail of this traditional account can be historically verified or not, its spiritual message remains significant:
The Gospel calls us to place God above worldly honour, possessions, and ambition.
Tradition of His Missionary Work
According to later tradition, Linus was active in preaching the Gospel and was associated with missionary work beyond Rome.
One tradition connects him with Gaul and the city of Besançon, where he is said to have preached Christ to those who followed pagan worship.
The story relates that he challenged the worship of idols and proclaimed the one true God, Creator of heaven and earth.
A dramatic event is said to have followed his preaching: a column in a pagan temple collapsed, bringing down an idol.
According to this tradition, the people did not accept his preaching but instead drove him from the city.
This account belongs to the later traditional biography of Linus and should not be presented as established historical fact. The best-attested information about him concerns his connection with Rome and his succession to Saint Peter.
Nevertheless, the story conveys an important Christian truth:
The Gospel calls people to leave false gods and turn toward the one true God.
The Death of Saint Peter
The life of Saint Linus is closely connected with the final days of Saint Peter.
According to ancient Christian tradition, Peter was martyred in Rome during the persecution under Emperor Nero.
After Peter’s martyrdom, Linus continued the mission of leading the Christian community.
Imagine the situation of those early Christians.
Their chief Apostle had been executed.
The Christian community was surrounded by a powerful empire.
Yet the Church did not disappear.
The Gospel continued to be preached.
The Eucharist continued to be celebrated.
Christians continued to pray.
And the succession of the Church continued.
Linus became part of this remarkable story of perseverance.
Saint Linus and Apostolic Succession
One of the greatest lessons associated with Saint Linus is the reality of Apostolic Succession.
Jesus entrusted a mission to the Apostles.
The Apostles entrusted leadership to their successors.
The Bishops of the Church continue this Apostolic ministry.
In Rome, the succession is traditionally remembered:
Saint Peter → Saint Linus → Saint Anacletus/Cletus → Saint Clement → …
The existence of such succession was important for the early Church because it helped preserve the teaching handed down from Christ and the Apostles.
Saint Linus therefore represents an important link between the Apostolic Church of the first century and the Catholic Church of later centuries.
Saint Linus and the Early Church
The Church during Linus’ time was very different from the Church we know today.
There were no great basilicas filled with thousands of worshippers.
There were no Christian countries.
There were no modern seminaries, Catholic universities, or worldwide Catholic institutions.
The Church was still small.
Yet it possessed something far greater:
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the grace of the Sacraments, the teaching of the Apostles, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Saint Linus served the Church during these foundational years.
His life reminds us that the Church’s strength does not depend primarily on buildings, numbers, wealth, or worldly influence.
The Church lives because Christ is faithful to His promise.
Did Saint Linus Die as a Martyr?
Saint Linus is traditionally honoured as a martyr in some Catholic traditions, including the material associated with his feast.
However, historically, his martyrdom is not certain.
The Liber Pontificalis states that Linus suffered martyrdom, but the historical evidence is insufficient to establish this with certainty. The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that early evidence does not securely prove that Linus was martyred.
Therefore, it is more accurate to say:
Saint Linus has traditionally been honoured as a martyr, but the historical circumstances of his death remain uncertain.
What is certain is that he was an early Bishop of Rome and the first successor of Saint Peter.
Whether he died violently for Christ or died after faithfully completing his ministry, his life belonged entirely to the service of the Gospel.
The Death and Burial of Saint Linus
The traditional date sometimes associated with the death of Saint Linus is AD 79.
The Vatican lists his pontificate as ending in 79.
Ancient tradition says that Linus was buried near Saint Peter in the Vatican area.
Early Roman Christian tradition associated the burial of the first bishops with the area around Saint Peter’s tomb.
A later tradition connected a tomb or sarcophagus marked with the name Linus with the ancient papal burial site. However, the identification of the archaeological remains has been questioned by historians.
Thus, the precise archaeological identification of his tomb remains uncertain.
Saint Linus and the Ministry of the Early Popes
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Linus ordained a number of bishops and priests during his pontificate. Such information illustrates the importance of the early Roman bishop in organizing and strengthening the growing Christian community.
The early Popes were not merely administrators.
They were shepherds.
Their primary responsibility was to preserve the Gospel, care for the faithful, celebrate the sacred mysteries, and maintain the unity of the Church.
Saint Linus carried this responsibility at one of the most critical moments in Christian history.
Saint Linus and the Power of Faith
The early Christians did not have worldly power.
They had faith.
They did not possess political influence.
They possessed the Gospel.
They did not have large institutions.
They had communities of believers who prayed, worshipped, served the poor, and proclaimed Jesus Christ.
Saint Linus belonged to this generation.
His life therefore teaches us that the growth of Christianity has always depended upon the grace of God and the faithful witness of ordinary men and women.
Lessons from the Life of Saint Linus
Although very few details of his personal life are known with certainty, Saint Linus offers several important lessons for Christians today.
1. Remain Faithful to the Apostolic Faith
Linus received the faith from the Apostles and helped pass it on.
We too are called to remain faithful to the Gospel entrusted to the Church.
2. Leadership Is Service
Saint Linus inherited a great responsibility after Saint Peter.
Christian leadership is not about personal power.
It is about serving God’s people.
3. The Church Belongs to Christ
The Church survived the death of Peter because its ultimate Shepherd is Christ.
Human leaders serve the Church, but Christ is its Head.
4. Faith Must Be Handed On
Linus reminds us of the importance of passing the faith from one generation to another.
Parents teach children.
Teachers form students.
Priests serve parishioners.
Christians witness to Christ through their lives.
5. Do Not Be Afraid of Difficult Times
The early Church faced enormous difficulties.
Yet the Gospel continued to spread.
Our own difficulties should not make us abandon faith.
6. Put God Above Worldly Ambition
The traditions about Linus portray him as someone who dedicated himself to Christ rather than worldly honour.
This remains a powerful lesson in a world that often measures success by wealth, status, and influence.
7. Stay Close to Christ
The most important lesson of every saint is ultimately the same:
Know Christ. Love Christ. Follow Christ.
Saint Linus and the Unity of the Church
The succession of Linus after Peter also reminds Catholics of the importance of unity.
Jesus prayed that His disciples might be one.
The early Christians understood that unity was not simply an organizational matter.
It was connected with faith in Christ and communion among believers.
The Bishop of Rome came to occupy a special place in preserving this unity because of the Church’s connection with Saint Peter.
Saint Linus therefore stands at the beginning of a succession that Catholics understand as a visible sign of continuity with the Apostolic Church.
Why Do We Celebrate Saint Linus?
We celebrate Saint Linus because he was one of the earliest shepherds of the Church.
He lived close to the Apostles.
He followed Saint Peter.
He became Bishop of Rome.
He served the Christian community during its earliest years.
And he handed on the faith that he had received.
His life may appear hidden when compared with the better-known saints of later centuries.
But without men like Linus, the story of the early Church would be incomplete.
He reminds us that holiness is not always accompanied by a detailed biography.
Sometimes the greatest testimony is simply faithfulness.
Saint Linus and the Sacrifice of the Early Christians
The first generations of Christians understood that following Christ could require sacrifice.
Saint Linus lived in the shadow of the martyrdom of Peter and Paul.
He knew that proclaiming Christ was not a path to worldly comfort.
The early Church grew through the witness of Christians who remained faithful even when faith was difficult.
Whether or not Linus himself died a martyr, his ministry belonged to a Church shaped by the witness of martyrs.
The Cross was at the heart of the Christian message.
And the early Popes had to lead a Church that was prepared to suffer for Christ.
A Prayer to Saint Linus
O glorious Saint Linus,
faithful successor of Saint Peter
and shepherd of the early Church in Rome,
pray for us.
You lived in the days of the Apostles
and received the faith from those
who had known and followed Jesus Christ.
Help us to remain faithful
to the Gospel handed down to us.
Teach us to love the Church,
to respect the Sacraments,
to listen to the Word of God,
and to remain united in faith and charity.
Pray for the Pope,
for all bishops and priests,
for religious men and women,
and for all the faithful.
Help Christian families
to pass the faith from one generation to another.
When we experience difficulties,
give us courage.
When our faith becomes weak,
obtain for us perseverance.
When we are tempted by worldly things,
help us to remember that Christ alone
is our lasting treasure.
Saint Linus,
faithful shepherd of the early Church,
pray that we may remain faithful to Jesus
until the end of our lives.
Saint Linus, second Pope of the Catholic Church,
pray for us.
Amen.
Saint Linus – Important Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Saint Linus |
| Role | Bishop of Rome / Pope |
| Position | Second Pope of the Catholic Church |
| Predecessor | Saint Peter |
| Successor | Saint Anacletus/Cletus |
| Origin | Tuscia/Tuscany, according to tradition |
| Pontificate | 68–79, according to the Vatican |
| Biblical mention | 2 Timothy 4:21 |
| Feast Day | September 23 |
| Connection with Rome | Successor of Saint Peter as Bishop of Rome |
| Martyrdom | Traditionally attributed to him, but historically uncertain |
| Burial | Traditionally associated with the Vatican near Saint Peter |
The Vatican officially lists Linus as the second Pope, with a pontificate from 68 to 79.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Linus
Who was Saint Linus?
Saint Linus was the first successor of Saint Peter as Bishop of Rome and is recognized by the Catholic Church as its second Pope.
When is the feast of Saint Linus?
The feast of Saint Linus is celebrated on September 23.
Was Saint Linus mentioned in the Bible?
Yes. Saint Paul mentions a Christian named Linus in 2 Timothy 4:21. Early Christian tradition, especially the testimony of Saint Irenaeus, identifies this Linus with the successor of Saint Peter.
Was Saint Linus the second Pope?
Yes. The Catholic Church recognizes Saint Linus as the second Pope, following Saint Peter. The Vatican’s official list places Linus second in the succession of the Popes.
When did Saint Linus serve as Pope?
The Vatican lists his pontificate as 68–79.
Was Saint Linus a martyr?
Saint Linus has traditionally been regarded as a martyr in some accounts, but the historical evidence for his martyrdom is not conclusive.
Where was Saint Linus buried?
Ancient tradition associates his burial with the Vatican area near Saint Peter’s tomb, although the archaeological identification of his precise tomb is uncertain.
What can we learn from Saint Linus?
Saint Linus teaches us the importance of faithfulness, apostolic succession, Christian leadership, courage, perseverance, unity, and handing on the faith.
Conclusion
Saint Linus lived at the very dawn of Christianity.
He belonged to the generation that stood closest to the Apostles. He witnessed the suffering and martyrdom of the early Christian leaders and then accepted the responsibility of guiding the Church of Rome.
As the second Pope and successor of Saint Peter, Linus stands as a living link between the Apostolic Church and the generations of Christians who followed.
His life reminds us that the Church is built not upon human greatness but upon Jesus Christ, who promised to remain with His Church.
We may know little about Saint Linus compared with many later saints. Yet his place in Church history is extraordinary.
He was there at the beginning.
He received the faith.
He guarded the faith.
He handed on the faith.
And the Church remembers him.
As we celebrate his feast on September 23, may Saint Linus intercede for the Pope, bishops, priests, religious, families, and all Christians. May he help us remain faithful to the Gospel we have received and courageous in proclaiming Jesus Christ.
May we never forget the words of Saint Paul:
“Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren salute thee.”
— 2 Timothy 4:21
Saint Linus, second Pope and successor of Saint Peter, pray for us.
Saint Linus, faithful shepherd of the early Church, pray for us.
Saint Linus, witness to the Apostolic faith, pray for us.
Amen.
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