Evaristus was Pope from about 98 to 105 (99 to 108 in the Vatican's "Annuario Pontificio" of 2003). He was also known as Aristus. Little is known about Evaristus. According to the Liber Pontificalis, he came from a family of Hellenic origin. He was elected during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, the time of the second general persecution.

Evaristus laid the foundation for the College of Cardinals, the body that would later become responsible for papal elections. He is traditionally considered a martyr, but there is no historic proof of such an assertion. His memorial or feast day is October 26.