Today, November 10, is the memorial of Pope Saint Leo the Great.
Doctor of the Church.
He was born to the Italian nobility and was known as a strong student in scripture and theology. As a priest, he was recognized as an eloquent writer and homilist.
He was Pope from 440 to 461 during the time of the invasion of Attila the Hun. When Attila reached Rome, Leo stepped out to request him to leave. As Leo spoke, Attila saw the vision of a man in priestly robes, carrying a bare sword, and threatening to kill the invader if he did not obey Leo. And just like that, Attila left.
Pope Leo had a devotion to Saint Peter the Apostle. It is generally believed Peter was the visionary opponent to the Huns. When Genseric invaded Rome, Leo’s sanctity and eloquence saved the city again.
He called the Council of Chalcedon to condemn heresies of the day. He vigorously fought Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Manichaeism, and Pelagianism.
He died in 461 and was buried as close as possible to the burial place of Peter.
Pope Leo wrote letters and sermons encouraging and teaching his flock, many of which survive today; it is for these writings that Leo was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1574.