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Pope Liberius

Bishop of Rome, 352 – 366

In this chair

The pope of the legend of the snow: the basilica of St. Mary Major on the Esquiline. He suffered in the Arian crisis.

Signs of this pontificate

Wonders this archive keeps that belong to the years he sat, or that he himself stood before.

NatureLong veneration

Our Lady of the Snows

Esquiline Hill, RomeTradition: 5 August 358

A childless Roman couple vow their fortune to Mary. On a hot August night, snow falls on the Esquiline in the shape of a church. The basilica of St. Mary Major stands there.

Return to the rail — scroll left for Peter.