Saint Hilary of Viterbo

Biography

Pope Saint Hilary, also known as Hilarus or Hilarius, was a dedicated servant of the Church and a trusted aide to Pope Saint Leo the Great. Born on the island of Sardinia, his early life remains largely unknown. However, his remarkable contributions as a deacon and as the 46th Pope of the Catholic Church have left a lasting impact on the Church's history. Hilary's important role as a papal legate came during the tumultuous time when the Monophysite heresies of Eutyches were gaining momentum. Monophysitism denied the humanity of Christ and asserted that He only possessed a divine nature. In 449, he was sent by Pope Leo the Great as a representative to the "Robber Synod" at Ephesus to report on these heresies. However, Eutyches' followers attacked Hilary and his party, forcing them to return to Rome. Hilary's dedication and wisdom were recognized by Pope Leo, who appointed him as the archdeacon in around 455. During this time, he worked on developing an updated method for calculating the date of Easter, a crucial matter for the Church's liturgical calendar. In 461, Hilary was chosen to succeed Pope Leo and became the 46th Pope of the Catholic Church. As Pope, he vigorously defended the teachings of the Church, confirming the work of several general councils. He focused on combating the heresies of Nestorianism and Arianism, which posed significant challenges to the orthodox understanding of Christ's nature and the Trinity. Hilary's papacy saw numerous accomplishments. He initiated the rebuilding and remodeling of several churches, showcasing his deep commitment to the worship and glorification of God. Furthermore, he held several Councils at Rome, in which the Church's teachings were reaffirmed, and its role in the empire was defined. Hilary emphasized the authority of the Pope as the spiritual leader, prioritizing it over the authority of the emperor in matters of faith. One distinctive trait of Hilary's papacy was his dedication to the welfare and conduct of bishops. While defending their rights, he also encouraged them to exercise restraint and fully devote themselves to God. This demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that the leaders of the Church were upright and morally virtuous. Hilary's impact extended beyond Rome. He followed in the footsteps of Pope Leo the Great and continued to strengthen the ecclesiastical government in Gaul and Spain. He erected churches, convents, libraries, and even two public baths. The records of his synod of 465, among the earliest Roman synods preserved, provide valuable insights into the Church's governance during his time. Pope Saint Hilary's life and teachings exemplify his dedication to the Catholic Church and its mission. His defense against heresies, his commitment to the authority of the Pope, and his efforts to strengthen the Church's organization left an indelible mark on the proceedings of several general councils. His remarkable contributions to the faith make him a revered figure in Catholic history. Pope Saint Hilary is commemorated on the feast days of February 28 (non-leap years) and February 29 (leap years).