St. Callistus I

Their story

Callistus had an unlikely path to becoming pope. Born a slave in Rome in the second century, he was put in charge of a bank by his Christian master. When the bank failed and the money was lost, Callistus fled, was caught, and was later sentenced to hard labor in the mines of Sardinia. Eventually he was freed and returned to Rome. Most of what we know of these early troubles comes from his bitter rival, Hippolytus, so the story may be colored by hostility. Pope Zephyrinus made Callistus a deacon and put him in charge of the Christian cemetery on the Appian Way, which still bears his name, the catacomb of St. Callistus. Many popes and martyrs were buried there. Around 217 Callistus himself was elected pope. As pope, Callistus was known for his mercy. He welcomed back into the Church sinners who sincerely repented and did penance, even for serious sins, and he recognized marriages between free women and slaves, which Roman law did not allow. Some, including Hippolytus, thought he was too lenient and broke away from him. Callistus died around 222, and he has been honored since ancient times as a martyr. His life reminds us that God can raise up anyone, and that the Church is a home for sinners.