St. Cletus (d. 92) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. St. Cletus, also known as Anacletus, was the third pope, succeeding St. Linus as Bishop of Rome in the late 1st century. According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was ordained a priest by St. Peter himself and divided Rome into 25 parishes. The Church celebrates St. Cletus's feast on 04-26.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Cletus as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Cletus for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Cletus
St. Cletus, also known as Anacletus, was the third pope, succeeding St. Linus as Bishop of Rome in the late 1st century. According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was ordained a priest by St. Peter himself and divided Rome into 25 parishes. He is believed to have been martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Domitian and was buried near St. Peter's tomb on Vatican Hill.
The vocation of St. Cletus reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Cletus's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: The papacy
St. Cletus is honored as the patron saint of The papacy. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with The papacy have traditionally invoked St. Cletus's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Cletus is grounded in the specific details of Cletus's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Cletus in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Cletus and seek Cletus's intercession:
On the Feast Day (04-26): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Cletus's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Cletus's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Cletus and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Cletus in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Cletus, pray for us," draws Cletus's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Cletus can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Cletus. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Cletus
O glorious St. Cletus, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Cletus as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Cletus's memory imitate Cletus's virtues and one day share Cletus's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Cletus in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Cletus has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Cletus in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Cletus's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Cletus's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Cletus is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Cletus: He is credited with erecting a small memorial shrine over St. Peter's grave on Vatican Hill, the earliest predecessor of the great Basilica of St. Peter.
When praying before an image of St. Cletus, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.