World

SAINT PROFILE: POPE LEO THE GREAT

By Catholic News Service     11/8/2019

A  Roman deacon who advised two popes, Leo was elected pope in 440 while on a diplomatic mission to Gaul, now France. He is one of three popes called “the Great.” His title was earned for his teachings, in 143 letters and nearly 100 sermons that survive, and his administration, in which church governance was consolidated, the primacy of Rome stressed, and liturgical, pastoral and canonical uniformity urged. He also persuaded Attila the Hun not to sack Rome and was named a doctor of the church.