Clement of Rome was the third successor of Saint Peter, reigning as pope during the last decade of the first century. Hes known as one of the Churchs five Apostolic Fathers, those who provided a direct link between the Apostles and later generations of Church Fathers.
His First Epistle to the Corinthians was preserved and widely read in the early Church. This letter from the bishop of Rome to the Church in Corinth concerns a split that alienated a large number of the laity from the clergy. Deploring the unauthorized and unjustifiable division in the Corinthian community, Clement urged charity to heal the rift.
Today many in the Church experience polarization regarding worship, how we speak of God, and other issues. Wed do well to take to heart the exhortation from Clements Epistle: Charity unites us to God. It knows no schism, does not rebel, does all things in concord. In charity all the elect of God have been made perfect.
Romes Basilica of St. Clement, one of the citys earliest parish churches, is probably built on the site of Clements home. History tells us that Pope Clement was martyred in either the year 99 or 101.
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