Callistus I
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Pope Callistus I
Biography:
A Roman.Embezzler
He was the slave of a Roman Christian named Carporphorus. According to Antipope Hippolytus (217-235), Callistus was entrusted with his master's wealth to invest. He started a banking business, receiving many deposits from other brethren and widows. However, he was found out to be embezzling the money, and asked to give an account. He chose to flee, but was later caught and sent to hard labour in the Sardinian quarries. After being released, he was received by Pope Zephyrinus (199-217), who made him a deacon in the church, to the protests of other bishops.Married clergy
He ordained married clergy, including some who had been married two or three times.Abortion
He supported abortion under any situation, claiming it was not a sin.Lapsed Christians
Like his predecessor, he decreed that excommunicated sinners could be received back after completing a prescribed penance.Death
Reported to have been lynched to death by an angry mob. In the 9th century his bones were dug up as part of the Veneration of Saints and buried under the alter of a church in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere. Legend claims the old church was built by Callistus, however it was probably built a century later.Rulers & Events:
211-217: Roman Emperor, Caracalla
217-235: Antipope Hippolytus
217-218: Roman Emperor, Macrinus
218-222: Roman Emperor, Elagabalus
220: Ostrogoths invade Asia Minor
222-235: Roman Emperor, Alexander Severus
