What if your enemy wrote your bio?

St. Callistus was a pope who died as a martyr in the year 222. Interestingly, the only biography we have of him was written by a rival, St. Hippolytus. When it was time to choose a pope, the deacon and former slave Callistus was chosen over Hippolytus.

Hippolytus was very strict and rigid in the way he followed rules and regulations. This was also true of the early Church which had been very rough on those who committed sins of adultery, murder, and fornication.

In contrast Callistus showed mercy to repentant sinners by allowing them back into communion of the Church after they had performed public penance. Callistus also promoted equality among Church members. For example, he accepted marraiges between slaves and free people. Hippolytus was enraged by this as he considered it degrading to the Church.

Fortunately the Church has continued to follow the path of St. Callistus.