St Leo the Great.
Died 461 ~ St Leo is referred to as “The Great” because of his great works and religious successes achieved during his life. His parents were from Tuscany in Italy and it is believed Leo was born in Rome in about 400. Little is known of his earlier life, but, he was made Pope in 440, succeeding Pope Sixtus III. He strongly opposed any heretic organisations and he was very worried about the state of the church in Africa, France and Spain. Not all bishops accepted his rulings and questioned his authority. He helped to set up Christian liturgy and to establish the Pope’s power over bishops. He had support and his rulings were accepted, but Leo came across many more problems during his time in office.
In particular in 452 the Huns invaded Italy and Leo met Attila their leader in person and managed to stop him from attacking Rome. He was not so successful when the Vandals attacked Rome. (Vandals were a barbaric tribe from Jutland, now Denmark who invaded Europe) Leo could not prevent them attacking the city but he did stop them from burning it. He helped the people and tended the sick and injured after the attack and also rebuilt the churches. Leo sent missionaries to Africa to bring back his people who were taken prisoners by the Vandals.
He died in Rome in 461. He proved to be a powerful and successful Pope and he changed and improved the Church and also his actions affected the Pope’s role as head of the church for years to come.