Saint Leo the Great, was born into a Roman aristocratic family. He was the first pope to be given the title "the Great."

Leo became a very well-known deacon of the Church by 431, serving the church under the pontificate of Pope Celestine I. He was widely respected for his love for the Lord, intelligence and persuasive nature. He was also gifted in bringing reconciliation between disputing groups of Christians.

Leo was unanimously elected as the Pope to succeed Pope Sixtus III in 440. Pope Leo I was deeply dedicated to his service, and he saw himself as privileged to sit in the Chair of St Peter, as the servant of the servants of God. He worked diligently as "Peter's successor." Over time, Leo became known as one of the best administrative popes of the ancient Church.

During his reign, Pope Leo fought tirelessly to preserve the unity of the Church and its faith; and to ensure the safety of his people against invasions from armies which sought to destroy the Church and the Christian influence on culture.

Pope Leo focused his pontificate on four main areas. He continuously worked to oppose and root out numerous heresies which were threatening the Western Church. Among them were Pelagianism, which involved denying Original Sin and failing to understand the necessity of God's grace for salvation.

Pope Leo I was a great defender of the orthodox teaching of the Catholic Christian Church and protected the full deposit of faith. The whole Church is still indebted to him for this.

During this time, some Eastern Christians began questioning the teaching of the Church concerning the relationship between Jesus' humanity and his divinity, and how to articulate this mystery of the Christian faith.

In response, Pope Leo resolved the doctrinal controversy with a letter setting down the Church's official teaching on Jesus Christ as One Person with a human and a divine nature which could not be separated. This profound and theologically astute letter reconciled the disputing parties. It affirmed the fullness of what occurred in the Incarnation, as well as its implications for all men and women who are baptized into Jesus Christ.

Along with his dynamic faith and outstanding theological wisdom, Pope Leo I was courageous as well. He led Rome's defence against Attila the Hun's barbarian invasion on Italy in 452, by taking on the role of peacemaker.

Pope Leo focused heavily on the pastoral care of his people. He inspired and helped to foster charitable work in areas of Rome affected heavily by famine, refugees and poverty. To him, being a Christian was not only about embracing the fullness of the Gospel theologically but living it out in a world filled with hurt, suffering and needs.

Pope Leo I was renowned for his profoundly spiritual sermons. With his words, Pope Leo could reach the everyday needs and interests of his people. It was his reputation as an "instrument of the call to holiness, well-versed in Scripture and ecclesiastical awareness" that helped him become one of the greatest popes in the history of the Church.

Pope Leo died on November 10, 461. His body was first laid in the entrance of St. Peter's basilica but was later moved inside the basilica in 688.

In 1754, Pope Benedict XIV proclaimed Pope Leo I a Doctor of the Church. Pope Leo I faithfully and unequivocally held to the belief that everything he did and said as Pope represented Jesus Christ, and St. Peter.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Andrew Avellino
2. Saint Baudolino
3. Saint Demetrius
4. Saint Leo of Melun
5. Saint Tiberius