Liberius
Liberius was the bishop of Rome from 352 to 366, serving during a period of significant Arian controversy within the Christian Church. He was exiled by Emperor Constantius II for refusing to condemn Athanasius of Alexandria but was later recalled due to popular pressure. His pontificate is marked by his complex interactions with imperial power and theological disputes, leading to debate among historians about his theological stance.
Key Facts
- ›Bishop of Rome from may 17, 352, until his death on September 24, 366.
- ›The earliest pontiff not venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
- ›Mentioned as a saint in the Greek Menology.
- ›Exiled for over two years in Thrace.
- ›Faced pressure from Emperor Constantius II regarding Arianism.
- ›His return from exile was met with both joy and criticism.
Council of Sirmium, Council of Rimini
- Wrote To Emperor Constantius Ii Requesting A Council At Aquileia Regarding Athanasius of Alexandria.
- Exiled To Beroea By Emperor Constantius Ii.
- Recalled From Exile Due To Pressure From the Roman Population.
- Annulled Decrees of the Council of Sirmium After Emperor Constantius's Death.
- Admitted Moderate Members of the Old Arian Party Into Communion.
Athanasius of Alexandria, Emperor Constantius Ii, Felix Ii, Hilary of Poitiers, Philostorgius, Sozomen, Basilica Di Santa Maria Maggiore
About Liberius
Liberius served as the bishop of Rome from May 17, 352, until his death on September 24, 366. His pontificate occurred during a period of intense theological debate within the early Christian Church, particularly concerning Arianism.
Life and Historical Context
Born in 310, Liberius was consecrated as the successor to Julius I. His tenure was significantly shaped by the influence of Emperor Constantius II, who favored the Arian faction. Early in his pontificate, Liberius attempted to convene a council to address the affairs of Athanasius of Alexandria. However, his messenger was compelled to subscribe to a condemnation of Athanasius at a conciliabulum in Arles.
Emperor Constantius II eventually exiled Liberius to Beroea for over two years after failing to persuade him to his viewpoint. The pope's exile was met with strong opposition from the Roman population, who refused to recognize the emperor's appointed puppet, Felix II. Under extreme pressure from the populace, Constantius II recalled Liberius. Upon his return to Rome, Felix II was expelled by the Roman people, and Liberius resumed his episcopal duties.
The return of Liberius from exile was not without controversy. Some historical accounts, such as that of Philostorgius, suggest that Liberius signed the Second Creed of Sirmium to regain his position, though this is disputed by other historians and Sozomen. Hilary of Poitiers famously questioned whether Liberius's exile or his restoration was the greater impiety.
Major Actions and Legacy
Following the death of Emperor Constantius II in 361, Liberius annulled the decrees of the council that had been held. He also accepted a deputation from the Eastern episcopate in 366, admitting moderate members of the old Arian party into communion.
Liberius is a figure of historical debate due to his interactions with imperial power and the theological controversies of his time. He is not venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, making him the earliest pope to be omitted from Catholic sainthood. However, he is recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Coptic Christianity.
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is sometimes referred to as the Liberian Basilica, reflecting a historical association.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Liberius bishop of Rome?
Pope Liberius served as the bishop of Rome from May 17, 352, until his death on September 24, 366.
Why is Pope Liberius significant in Catholic history?
Liberius is notable for being the earliest pope not venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. His pontificate was marked by significant theological disputes and conflicts with Emperor Constantius II, including his exile.
Was Pope Liberius a saint?
Liberius is not mentioned as a saint in the Roman Martyrology, making him the earliest pontiff omitted from Catholic sainthood. However, he is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Coptic Christianity.
What was Pope Liberius's relationship with Emperor Constantius II?
Emperor Constantius II, who was sympathetic to the Arians, exiled Pope Liberius for over two years for refusing to condemn Athanasius of Alexandria. Liberius was later recalled due to pressure from the Roman population.
Is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore associated with Pope Liberius?
Yes, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is sometimes referred to as the Liberian Basilica, indicating a historical connection.
Related Popes
Agatho
Pope Agatho served as the bishop of Rome from 678 to 681. His pontificate is primarily known for his role in the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which addressed and suppressed the theological doctrine of Monothelitism. He is also noted for hearing the appeal of Wilfrid of York and is venerated as a saint.
Leo II
Pope Leo II served as the Bishop of Rome from August 17, 682, until his death in June 683, during the Byzantine Papacy. Described as just and learned, he is commemorated as a saint. His brief pontificate was marked by his confirmation of the Sixth Ecumenical Council's decrees against Monothelitism and efforts to assert Roman authority over the Archbishop of Ravenna.
Hormisdas
Pope Hormisdas, bishop of Rome from 514 to 523, is primarily remembered for his successful efforts to resolve the Acacian schism. This schism, initiated by Acacius of Constantinople's attempt to appease non-Chalcedonians, had divided the Eastern and Western churches. Hormisdas's papacy saw the eventual reunion of Constantinople and Rome, ratified in 519.