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Pope Leo I (c. 400 – 10 November 461), also known as Leo the Great, [1] was Bishop of Rome [2] from 29 September 440 until his death. Leo was a Roman aristocrat, and was the first pope to have been called "the Great".
Saint Leo I, pope from 440 to 461, master exponent of papal supremacy. His pontificate was devoted to safeguarding orthodoxy and to securing the unity of the Western church under papal supremacy. Learn more about his life, works, and legacy with this article.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Pope St Leo I Background
- Early Life
- Papacy
- Attila The Hun
- Death and Legacy
- Interesting Facts About Pope St Leo I
- More Popes Named “Leo”
Born: c. 400 AD in TuscanyBirth Name: LeoDied: November 10, 461Cause of Death: UnknownGiven the name Leo at birth, the future pope was born in Tuscany, which was part of the Western Roman Empire. Though he spent his whole life in Rome, he gained a reputation outside of the city for his work. Leo spoke to John Cassian and convinced him to speak out against Nestorius and later served as an archdeacon. Pope Sixtus III appealed to him p...
It took a month for bishops to convene and elect a new pope, but they quickly picked Leo as the successor to Pope Sixtus III. He established the idea that original sin affected human nature as a doctrine of the Church in direct opposition to a group know as Pelagians. The pope believed that they should not take communion because of their beliefs. H...
During his time as pope, Leo settled many disputes among the leaders of the era. He gave many sermons, some of which still exist in the Vatican archives. In 452, Attila the Hun brought his troops and attacked Italy. Some claim that he demanded the then Holy Roman Emperor send him the man’s sister, who he wanted as part of a dowry. As Attila was on ...
Though the Church does not list an official cause of death, Pope St Leo I likely died of natural causes. He was in his early 70s when he passed away while serving Rome. As was the tradition at the time, Church workers buried him on the grounds of St. Peter’s Basilica in a tomb near St. Peter’s grave. Near the end of the 700s, the Church had his bod...
Pope St Leo I ranks at number 10 on the official list of the longest-reigning popes in history. His papacy lasted for more than 21 years.The Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church and Anglican Communion branch all recognize Leo as a saint. Though his feast date was originally on April 11, it became November 10 after changes to the...Thirteen popes in total used the name Leo upon accepting the papacy. Though this was the birth name for some, others chose it in honor of Pope Leo I.Pope St Leo I helped create and establish the idea of the hypostatic union. This is a belief within the Church that claims Jesus Christ was a human man but also a divine individual.Leo I (St.) (#45) (the Great) (440 – 461) Leo II (St.) (#80) (682 – 683) Leo III (St.) (#97) (795 – 816) Leo IV (St.) (#104) (847 – 855) Leo V (#119) (903 – 904) Leo VI (#124) (928) Leo VII (#127) (936 – 939) Leo VIII (#132) (963 – 964) Leo IX (St.) (#153) (1049 – 1054) Leo X (#218) (1513 – 1521) Leo XI (#233) (1605) Leo XII (#253) (1823 – 1829) Le...
Saint Leo the Great, also known as Pope Saint Leo I, was born into a Roman aristocratic family. His response to the call of the Lord transformed him into one of the greatest popes of Christian history.
Pope Leo I, or Leo the Great, was pope of the Roman Catholic Church from September 29, 440 to November 10, 461. He was a Roman aristocrat and the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church to whom the title "the Great" was attached.
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Learn about the life and legacy of Pope Leo I, who ruled in the fifth century and defended the unity of Christ's two natures at Chalcedon. Discover his sermons, letters, and role in defending Rome from invaders.
Learn about the life and achievements of Leo I, the pope who guided the Roman and Universal Church in the fifth century. He fought against Pelagianism, Manichæism, and Priscillianism, and defended the doctrine of the Incarnation.
