Evaristus

About Evaristus

Evaristus was the fifth Bishop of Rome (Pope), serving from about 99-107 AD. Of Greek origin, possibly from Antioch or Bethlehem, Evaristus led the Roman church during Emperor Trajan's reign. Tradition credits him with organizing the Roman church by dividing it into parishes (titles) and assigning priests to them. He may have established the rule that marriages be publicly celebrated. Evaristus was likely martyred, though details are uncertain. He was buried near Peter on Vatican Hill. His pontificate continued establishing structures that would characterize the Roman church.