By: Rev. Fr. Fredrick Kiwanuka
There are only two Popes who earned the title “Great” – Gregory I and Leo I. Leo was born in the beginning of the 5th Century, probably in Rome. We know very little about his early life. He was a deacon, and in that position he had many responsibilities.
Already other church leaders looked at him for advice and for explanations of the mysteries of the faith. Leo was even sent to settle arguments between commanders and leaders. He was in Gaul (Spain) on just such a mission in 440 when Pope SIxtus III died and Leo was elected the new Pope. There was much work awaiting him, but Leo went right to the task. He helped the Church stay united at a time when it was being attacked inside by false teachers and outside by warring tribes.
In 452, the Huns, led by Attila, marched toward Rome, ready to destroy it. Pope Leo himself went out to meet Attila and was able to stop him from entering and destroying the City by agreeing to pay tribute to him every year. Three years later another tribe marched on Rome – the Vandals. Again Leo met with the warrior. But this time Leo was only able to stop them from burning the City. For two weeks the Vandals pillaged- plundered, robbed, raided, looted, ravaged, sacked —- Rome; while the people sought shelter in the Churches. Leo helped rebuild the City after the invaders departed and he sent missionaries to Africa to minister those who had been captured by the Vandals.
Leo is often remembered for his famous writings and explanations of the faith especially during the Council of Chalcedon – 461. His words were so powerful that the 600 Bishops gathered there felt they had heard St. Peter speaking through Leo. His letter was seen as the expression of Catholic faith concerning the person of Christ.
He died in 461, leaving many letters and writings of great historical value.
Reflection: “Thy Cross, O Lord, is the source of all blessings, the cause of all graces; by it the faithful find strength in weakness, glory in shame, life in death (St. Leo)
@Christ the King Parish, Kampala