7 history-changing Pope Leos
1. Pope Leo I (c.400-461)
Also known as Pope Leo the Great, Pope Leo I reigned from 440 until his death in 461. During his rule, he made a concerted effort to crack down on heresy within the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo I oversaw the Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon, which, among other things, reaffirmed the orthodox Christian teaching that Jesus Christ had both a human and divine nature.
However, his most famous act was probably in the political realm, as he successfully persuaded barbarian conqueror Attila the Hun to spare the city of Rome during his invasion of Italy.
“Out from the ancient gates of Rome passed a white-haired ancient in bishop’s raiment. The aged pope of Rome hobbled forth to hold conference with the wild Hun while the city waited and watched,” according to Catholic Answers magazine.
“The pope’s plea echoed in Attila’s ears like a command. The Hun raised Leo to his feet, swore to an enduring truce, and retreated with his legions across the Danube.”
Leo I would later be canonized as a saint and became one of only two popes recognized as a doctor of the Roman Catholic Church. He was also the first pope to be buried at St. Peter’s Basilica.
