Liberius (pope 352 to 366): Exiled under imperial pressure; according to the Britannica, in exile he subscribed a formula, abandoned Athanasius and was recalled for it

In 355 Liberius refused to sign the condemnation of Athanasius and was banished to Beroea. According to the Britannica, after more than two years he gave way, subscribed a formula without "homoousios" and abandoned Athanasius. The Catholic Encyclopedia reports this as the account of the Arian Philostorgius and other sources, calling it "the story of the pope's fall". Felix was consecrated as antipope.

Life dates

352-366 (about 14 years old)

Country

Vatican City

Institutions

Church of Rome
Roman Empire

Category

Persecution

Level of evidence

B two independent scholarly sources · what does this mean?

Background

Response of the Church

1. According to the Britannica, after more than two years of exile he gave way, subscribed a formula, gave up the "homoousios" and Athanasius and was recalled; a serious mistake for which he has justly been reproached. The Catholic Encyclopedia traces the account to the Arian Philostorgius and other texts.
   Evidence: Cambridge University Press (Wikisource), Artikel Liberius

   „he yielded so far as to subscribe a formula giving up the “homoousios,” to abandon Athanasius“

   Evidence: Robert Appleton Company / The Encyclopedia Press (Wikisource), Artikel Pope Liberius

   „The same story of the pope's fall is supported by three letters attributed to him“

Scholarly literature and reference works

1. Reference work
   Cambridge University Press (Wikisource): Liberius, in: Encyclopædia Britannica (1911), Bd. 16, 1 January 1911. Original (retrieved 31 Oct 2026)
2. Reference work
   Robert Appleton Company / The Encyclopedia Press (Wikisource): Pope Liberius, in: Catholic Encyclopedia (1910), Bd. 9, 1 January 1910. Original (retrieved 31 Oct 2026)

Last changed on 31 October 2026. Is something missing or wrong? Suggest an addition or correction.