Pope Saint Leo the Great

Pope Saint Leo was the head of the Roman Church during the fifth century. He was instrumental in unifying the Church by demanding allegiance from all the bishops, pastors, and clergy of Rome.

Saint Leo had such a large impact on the Church and ruled with such authority that the church became known as the Roman Catholic Church, as it is still known today.

Saint Leo a Man of the People

Saint Leo was not only concerned about governing the Roman Church but he cared for the congregation, as well. Pope Saint Leo secured all the church buildings and the safety of the people in 410 A.D. when Rome was sacked. He also held the Church together during the fall of the Roman Empire in 452 A.D. The aggressive techniques of Saint Leo gave the Bishop of Rome authority over all other bishops. This authority is still referred to as The Petrine Supremacy.

Pope Saint Leo Day

The feast of Pope Saint Leo is celebrated on November 10 in the Roman Catholic Church. Many churches recite the prayer to St. Leo during Mass and Catholics wear a Saint Leo medal or a Saint Leo necklace as a reminder of the struggles this early Christian pope endured for the Church. They thank Saint Leo for his fight against heresy, his truths of Faith, his gentleness, and his steadfast loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope St. Leo Prayer

God our Father,
you will never allow the power of hell
to prevail against your Church,
founded on the rock of the apostle Peter.
Let the prayers of Pope Leo the Great
keep us faithful to your truth and secure in your peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.