Saint Leo the Great, or Pope Leo I as he was known, served as the Pope from the year 440 up to his death in 461. He was from an aristocratic family in Tuscany, Italy. In 1754, Pope Benedict XIV declared him Doctor of the Church. He was also the first Pope given the title, “the Great.” Theologically speaking, he is well remembered for his writing called “Leo’s Tome” or “Tome to Flavian.” It was a highly influential letter he issued to the Council of Chalcedon, the fourth ecumenical council, which debated on the topic of Christology, and elucidated on the dual nature of Christ — the divine and the human nature in one persona.
Historically, he is also remembered for his encounter with Attila the Hun at the very gates of Rome. There, through his effective eloquence, he was able to persuade Attila to turn back and dissuaded him from attacking and invading Italy. He also helped the victims of the Vandal forces when they looted Rome and prevented them from further stealing and damaging the city. He had written more than a hundred of letters and sermons, which helped improved ecclesiastical understanding and discussion at that time.
Pope Saint Leo the Great, pray for us!
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