Leo the Great was Pope in the 5th century when the Barbarians were preparing to invade Rome. He convinced Attila the Hun not to invade Rome, but rather to accept an annual tribute of money instead. He was less fortunate when the Vandals invaded the city, but Pope Leo convinced them not to burn it down. In addition to battling these invading enemies, he also battled the many heresies that were attacking the Church while he was Pope. Leo wrote eloquent defenses against these heresies. For his theology and writing and contributions to our faith, Leo was named Doctor of the Church in 1754. Leo the Great saw our salvation and our journey of faith intrinsically tied to the salvation we have in Christ, as he wrote: “No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ.” May we ask for the intercession of Pope Leo the Great today, uniting his prayers with our prayers.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul tells them of the goodness he sees in them, how he sees them being full of knowledge and being able to instruct one another in the faith. Paul expresses his zeal and enthusiasm in bringing the Gospel to others, to the Gentiles who have not yet been exposed to God’s holy word. Pope Leo and many of our other Popes and Church leaders continued with the same zeal and enthusiasm in leading the people of God. May we give thanks for the wonderful leaders we have had in the Church.
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