Linus

Saint Linus was born in Italy, traditionally at Volterra in Tuscany, and lived in the first generation of the Church. Ancient Christian testimony remembers him as the one to whom the Apostles entrusted the care of the Roman community after Saints Peter and Paul had founded and strengthened it. He is generally regarded as the second Bishop of Rome, succeeding Saint Peter, and his name is reverently included in the Roman Canon of the Mass. Linus also appears in Scripture: near the end of Saint Paul’s life, a Linus is named among those with him in Rome, and early writers identified this companion of the Apostle with the future shepherd of the Roman Church. Serving amid uncertainty and fragile beginnings, Linus helped preserve apostolic faith and unity in the heart of the Empire, guiding believers who were learning how to live the Gospel together. He is venerated as a saint and is honored as patron of Espeja, Lurano, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Volterra. His feast day is celebrated on September 23.