Evaristus

Pope Evaristus, also known as Aristus, served as the fifth bishop of Rome from c. 99/100 to his death in 107/108. Of Hellenic Jewish origin—tradition states his father was a Jew from Bethlehem—Evaristus led the early Church during a critical period of consolidation. Succeeding Clement I, he is credited with laying the foundations of Rome’s ecclesiastical administration. The \textit{Liber Pontificalis} attributes to him the division of the city into \"titles\" or parishes, assigning a priest to each, effectively creating the first organized parish system in the capital. He is also said to have appointed seven deacons to assist the bishop in preaching, ensuring that the dignity of the episcopal office was witnessed and supported by the clergy. His papacy coincided with the reign of Emperor Trajan, a time of renewed persecution for Christians. It is believed that St. John the Apostle passed away during Evaristus’s pontificate, marking the definitive close of the Apostolic Age. While historical records regarding his death vary—some listing him as a martyr and others simply as a confessor—Roman tradition strongly reveres him as a martyr who gave his life for the faith. He was buried in the Vatican, near the tomb of St. Peter, affirming the continuity of the Petrine succession.