The Saints: St. Leo the Great

c. 400 - 461/ Feast - Nov. 10

Leo served as pope from 440 to 461 and was assigned the title “the Great.” He was said to have boundless energy, a large heart and a strong sense of duty.

He centralized authority in Rome and held firm to the doctrine that Christ is one person in whom the divine and human unite.

Leo was able to keep Attila the Hun from Rome, but the city was plundered by Genseric and his Vandals. Afterward, Leo restored basilicas, established new churches and sent priests and money to captives taken to Africa.