Pope St. Leo the Great was a fifth-century pastor, theologian, and defender of the unity of the Church. Catholics seek his intercession for clear faith in Christ, wise leadership, and courage in times of public danger.
Begin PrayingMore about Pope St. Leo the Great
Leo served as Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461 during a period of doctrinal controversy and political instability. His teaching explained that Jesus Christ is one divine Person with a complete divine nature and a complete human nature. Leo’s Tome helped guide the Council of Chalcedon in 451 as it confessed Christ as truly God and truly man. His surviving sermons also show a pastor who joined doctrine to worship, charity, fasting, and care for the poor.
Leo worked to preserve communion among local churches and to protect the people of Rome as imperial authority weakened. A well-known historical encounter with Attila the Hun in 452 became a lasting sign of his pastoral courage, although later accounts added details that cannot be verified. He was later honored as a Doctor of the Church. This novena asks for his help in confessing Christ faithfully and serving the Church with truth, prudence, and charity.
