Feast Day – November 10th
Patron Saint of Popes and Confessors
Pope Leo I was born circa 400 AD and believed to be from Tuscany, Italy to an aristocratic family. He became a renowned deacon by 430 AD and served under Pope Celestine I. He was known for his love of the Lord, intelligence and persuasion. He was often sent to settles disputes, both among secular and theological groups. His ability to garner peace amongst a variety of people and groups led to his unanimous election to succeed Pope Sixtus III in 440 AD. These qualities were also what later helped establish him as the first “Great” Pope.
A little history about this era to truly understand why he earned the title Pope Leo the Great. There was major unrest and transformation happening; tribes like the Visigoths, Vandals, Angles, Saxons, and Huns were invading and conquering different parts of Europe. Territories were changing hands and war was rampant. In particular, Attila the Hun had the entire nation living in fear due to his methods of conquest.
According to legend, thanks to Pope Leo’s persuasion, he convinced Attila to withdraw his forces peacefully from Italy during a negotiation around 450 AD. Just after his conversation with Attila the Hun, he promoted the fourth Ecumenical Council where he wrote a letter recognizing and reaffirming Jesus’ two natures: divine and human. he also understood both the importance of communion of churches and the needs of the faithful. His priorities were to “uphold justice with constancy” and “offer clemency with love” because “without Christ we can do nothing, but with Him, we can do all.” His pontificate ended with his death in 461 AD.
It is no wonder, that our current Pope has chosen his name in a time that seems so similar. Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV that he may lead with the heart of St. Pope Leo the Great. May he lead with love, intelligence, and the ability to bring all Christians together and to bring peace to all nations.
Ways to Celebrate
Read: Read and reflect on St. Leo’s Tome. This is the letter he wrote to the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon. You can also find exerts from his sermons to read as well. Here is a copy of Letters and Sermons of Pope St. Leo I.
Pray: Pray for church and world leaders, ask for courage, wisdom and peace amongst nations.
Food: Gather the kids or take some time alone and bake a lion themed treat or snack. Some ideas are: Animal Crackers, Lion Cake, Cake Pops, Lion Pancakes, or Lion Paw Cookies. The possibilities are endless and can be as elaborate or simple as you need.
Formed: As always, you can check out Formed for videos and podcasts. They are always adding things. But this link takes you to a collection specifically for St. Leo the Great.
