Liberius definition of Liberius in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Liberius (lībēr`ēəs), d. 366, pope (352–66), a Roman; successor of St. Julius I. At the beginning of his pontificate, the status of Athanasius Athanasius, Saint (ăthənā`zhəs), c.
..... Click the link for more information. was still disputed, and Liberius requested Emperor Constantius II Constantius II, 317–61, Roman emperor, son of Constantine I. When the empire was divided (337) at the death of Constantine, Constantius II was given rule over Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt, while his brothers, Constans I and Constantine II, received other
..... Click the link for more information. to call the Council of Arles (353). Subdued by imperial favor toward Arianism Arianism (âr`ēənĭz'əm), Christian heresy founded by Arius in the 4th cent.
..... Click the link for more information. , the papal legates signed against Athanasius, but Liberius refused to be coerced or bribed. He was banished to Thrace by Constantius, who set up an antipope, Felix Felix, Roman deacon, antipope (355–56). Emperor Constantius, an Arian, set him up to replace Liberius . He is wrongly known as Felix II.
..... Click the link for more information. . In 358, Liberius was permitted to return to Rome after signing a vaguely worded creed and repudiating communion with Athanasius. Felix was forced to retire. After Constantius died, Liberius openly avowed his orthodox position and reasserted the primacy of Rome as arbiter in matters of faith.