Bishop
The great saint and shepherd of God's Church, originally from Italy, was educated in the wisdom of letters and the Christian virtues. He was first an archdeacon under Pope Sixtus III, and after his death, he was unanimously elected as the primate of the Roman Church. Saint Leo diligently cared for his flock, laying down his soul for them.
When Attila, the leader of the Huns, came to Italy with the intention of ravaging the land, Saint Leo, invoking the help of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, went to him. With wise words, he was able to convince Attila to leave Italy, which was perceived as a miracle, as Attila later said that he saw angels threatening him with death if he did not obey the archbishop.
During his primacy, heretics such as Nestorius, Eutyches, and Dioscorus arose, who troubled the Church. Saint Leo actively defended orthodoxy, appealing to the kings to convene an ecumenical council. As a result, the IV Ecumenical Council was convened in Chalcedon, at which his letter to Saint Flavian was recognized as authoritative and used to condemn the heretics.
Saint Leo reached a great old age and, standing at the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle, prayed for the forgiveness of his sins. The Apostle Peter appeared to him and announced his forgiveness, except for the sins related to his ordination. After this, Saint Leo continued to pray and fast until he received full forgiveness. He passed away in 461 and joined the ranks of the saints, now standing before the throne of Christ God.
