St. Peter the Apostle (?)–67 (?)

under whose name two canonical epistles are extant.

St. Linus 67 (?)–79 (?) St. (Ana)Cletus 79 (?)–90 (?)

ST. CLEMENT I 90 (?)–99 (?)

The Primacy of the Roman Pontiff¹

[From the letter "Διὰ τὰς αἰφνιδίους" to the Corinthians]

41. (1) BECAUSE of the sudden calamities that have followed one another in turn and because of the adverse circumstances which have befallen us, we think, brethren, that we have returned too late to those matters which are being inquired into among you, beloved, and to the impious and detestable sedition . . . which a few rash and presumptuous men have aroused to such a degree of insolence that your honorable and illustrious name . . . is very much reviled. . . . In order to remind you of your duty, we write. . . . (57) You, therefore, who have laid the foundations of this insurrection, be subject in obedience to the priests and receive correction unto repentance. . . . (59) But if some will not submit to them, let them learn what He [Christ] has spoken through us, that they will involve themselves in great sin and danger; we, however, shall be innocent of this transgression. . . . (63) Indeed you will give joy and gladness to us, if having become obedient to what we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will cut out the unlawful application of your zeal according to the exhortation which we have made in this epistle concerning peace and union.