In controversy with the various groups of rigorists of his time, Callixtus suffered particularly for his understanding of forgiveness. He taught that sinners should all be forgiven, if they were repentant. We are reminded of this position when see Peter portrayed in the catacombs: usually with the cock which reminded him of his betrayal. . . It is strange that in Rome, the Church founded by Peter, this most embarrassing incident in the life of the apostle is so often stressed, an event which he would very much have preferred to forget.

     On many sarcophagi and in catacomb cubicles, there is the blessed rooster, and Jesus who with his fingers indicates "thrice" and Peter standing with his head lowered. We might well ask: why was it that Romans so much loved this episode from the life of their founder ? The only convincing explanation is that it would emphasise the mercy of God, God's willingness to pardon sinners, especially in circumstances where pardon was being refused in such difficult times. "Peter -these paintings seem to say - was pardoned for the same sin which you rigorists say should not be pardoned". Callixtus, great exponent of total forgiveness, probably made this episode in the life of Peter a very frequent theme in his preaching to the Christians of Trastevere.

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