Pope St. Leo the Great

Pope St. Leo the Great (c. 400 – 10 November 461), reigning from 440 to 461 AD, is one of the most important popes in the history of the Catholic Church and is recognized as a Doctor of the Church. He is particularly renowned for his theological writings that shaped the Church’s teachings, especially concerning the nature of Christ, which were pivotal at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. Leo is also famed for his encounter with Attila the Hun, persuading him to turn back and spare Rome from invasion in 452. His pastoral care, administrative reforms, and efforts to define the jurisdiction of the papacy solidified the role of the papacy within the Church and the broader Roman Empire. Commemorated as a saint, his feast day is celebrated on November 10th, marking the date of his death.