Saint Hilarius

Pope Hilarius, also known as Hilarus or Hilary, served as bishop of Rome from 461 to 468. His tenure was marked by significant ecclesiastical responsibilities and challenges. In 449, he acted as a legate for Pope Leo I at the Second Council of Ephesus, where his opposition to the condemnation of Flavian of Constantinople led to conflict with Dioscurus of Alexandria. This controversy nearly prevented Hilarius from leaving Ephesus; however, he managed to escape and return to Rome by an indirect route. Upon his return, he erected an oratory at the Lateran in honor of John the Evangelist, attributing his safe passage to the saint's intercession. His pontificate was dedicated to maintaining ecclesiastical discipline according to canon law and resolving jurisdictional disputes among bishops in Gaul and Spain.