St. Zachary, Pope

St. Zachary was Pope from 741 to 752 CE. He was born in Calabria, Italy, and is known for his diplomatic skills and efforts to maintain peace. Zachary negotiated with the Lombard king Liutprand, preventing an attack on Rome, and also mediated a dispute between the Byzantine emperor and the Venetians. He was a patron of the arts and commissioned the restoration of many churches in Rome. Zachary is venerated for his role in preserving the peace and protecting the Papal States during a tumultuous period in history. He is the patron saint of those falsely accused.