Born into an aristocratic family from Alsace, France, St. Pope Leo IX was sent to Toul at age 5 for his education under the care of the Bishop of Toul. Later, at the young age of 25, he was consecrated as bishop.

Pope Leo IX was appointed pope by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry III and formally began his papacy on February 12, 1049 A.D.
As pope, Leo IX began several church reforms against the buying and selling of church offices (simony), clergy marriage, and secular ruler appointments of church offices (lay investiture). He emphasized the position of the church at the heart of Christian life and society.

The Easter Synod of 1049 was convened to pass many of these new church reforms.

His papal actions inadvertently led to breakdown in the relationship between the Easter and Western rite churches which became known as the Great Schism of 1054.

St. Pope Leo IX endured captivity when he was taken hostage by the Normans of Sicily, Italy. He was allowed to return to Rome but died a month later on April 19, 1054 A.D.

Other Saints of the Day:
St. Victor of Carthage
St. Fortunata of Carthage
St. Crescentius
St. Emma
St. Anthony Pavoni