SAINT LEO THE GREAT

St. Leo the Great, or Pope St. Leo I, was born circa 400 AD, possibly in Tuscany, Italy. He was pope from 440 to 461 AD and is regarded as one of the greatest and bravest popes in church history. There is not much written or known about Saint Leo the Great’s early life. Before his election to the papacy, Leo also served under Pope Celestine I as a deacon and was generally admired for his prudence and statesmanship. The Church faced many problems before and during his papacy from 440 to 461, including theological confusion, political insecurity, and the imminence of invasion by the Germanic tribes.

Leo employed his office to affirm the unity of the Church, to define doctrine, and to solidify papal authority. He is best known for his part in affirming that the pope is the successor of Saint Peter and that the bishop of Rome has primacy over the rest of the bishops — a key pillar of the modern conception of the papacy.

He took his role as Pope very seriously and was dedicated to his service. Leo is well known for his mission to combat heresy during his time, helping condemn the heresies of Monophysitism (the belief that Christ had only one nature), Nestorianism (separated Christ’s two natures, and denied that Mary bore God.), and Pelagianism (Denying original sin and and misunderstands God’s grace)  in the Council of Chalcedon in 451, which he started. Leo helped resolve these heresies by clarifying in the council that Jesus was one person with a human and divine nature which couldn’t be separated.

Importance in Church History

Saint Leo was very important in regards to Doctrinal Leadership. His most famous theological work, known as the Tome of Leo, was written to address the heresy of Monophysitism. This letter was read aloud at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 and accepted with acclaim, becoming a cornerstone of orthodox Christology.

Pope Leo also helped defend Rome from several outside invaders, particularly in convincing Attila the Hun to turn back and lessening the Vandals destruction of Rome.

Leo was the first pope to be called “the Great”, and rightly so — his papacy helped establish the foundations of papal authority, doctrinal clarity, and pastoral care that influenced the Church for centuries.

Stories and Miracles

Convincing Attila The Hun to turn back: In 452, when the dreaded Attila the Hun approached Rome, Pope Leo personally met with him. To tradition, after conversing with Leo, Attila decided not to sack Rome — a deed regarded by many as miraculous and evidence of Leo’s spiritual power and courage. It has been told that Attila beheld a vision of Saints Peter and Paul standing by Leo's side wielding swords when they met, to protect him from hurting the city and scaring him into turning away.

Halting the Vandals: Later when the Vandals attacked in 455, Leo intervened once again, stopping them from burning and laying waste to the city, although the city of Rome was still looted.

Miraculous Protection of Rome: Some accounts speak of divine protection over Rome during Leo’s prayers and interventions, seeing his leadership as a vessel for God’s mercy.

Legacy and Patronage

Saint Leo died in 461 AD and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1754 for his theological brilliance. He has been revered as a Saint since his death, since he predates the Canonization process. His feast day is celebrated on November 10 in the Roman calendar (April 11 in the Eastern tradition) and is considered the patron saint of Popes, confessors, and orators. Saint Leo the Great was deeply dedicated as Pope. He showed deep reverence towards the position of the successor of Peter and worked towards the unity of the Church. We will be forever remembered as a great defender, not only of the city of Rome, but of the Catholic faith.

Reflection on Pope Leo XIV
With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, many Catholics reflect on the legacy of the first Pope Leo with renewed inspiration. The choice of the name “Leo” is significant — it signals a desire to lead with clarity, strength, and pastoral courage, much like Saint Leo the Great. In a time when many are searching for spiritual direction, the memory of Saint Leo reminds the Church that faithful leadership, rooted in truth and humility, can preserve unity and bring hope, even in the most turbulent times.

Prayers To Saint Leo The Great

From Missionary Society of St. Columban:

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us
Pope St. Leo the Great as an example of holiness.
Help us to imitate the love of You he showed
in choosing to respond to Your call to the diaconate
and the papacy.

You served the Church faithfully as a deacon,
and You became known for Your virtues.
Then, You answered God’s call to lead
His Church as the Pope.

Pray for me, that I may always be open to doing
God’s will in my life, no matter what He might call me to.
Pray that I may be as devoted a servant of God as You were. Amen.

Prayer for the Church from Catholic Culture:

O God, who never allow the gates of hell to prevail against your Church, firmly founded on the apostolic rock, grant her, we pray, that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo, she may stand firm in your truth and know the protection of lasting peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.