![[Saint Hilary holy card]](sainth23.jpg "15kb jpg detail from an Italian holy card, artist unknown; if you have information on this image, please email me; please do not write to ask about the image")
Hilarus Hilarius
As pope, Hilary confirmed the work of several general councils, rebuilt and remodeled many churches, and held several Councils at Rome. Renowned for defending the rights of his bishops while exhorting them to curb their excesses and devote themselves more completely to God. Helped define the Church's role in the empire, and affirmed the position of the pope, and not the emperor, as leader in spiritual matters. He continued Leo I's vigorous policy, strengthening ecclesiastical government in Gaul and Spain. Erected churches, convents, libraries, and two public baths, and his synod of 465 is the earliest Roman synod whose records are extant.
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate Catholic Encyclopedia Catholic Online New Catholic Dictionary Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson