Post-Nicene · c. 400 – 461
St. Leo the Great
Rome
Biography
Leo, elected Pope in 440, is remembered both as a great doctrinal authority whose Tome settled the Christological controversy at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, and as the pope who personally met Attila the Hun outside Rome in 452, persuading him to turn back. He preached often to the Roman people and vigorously asserted the primacy of the Roman see as the continuing office of Peter. He is one of only two popes given the title 'the Great.'
Historical background
When Leo's doctrinal letter, the Tome, was read at the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451, the assembled bishops reportedly exclaimed, 'Peter has spoken through Leo,' a moment often cited as a striking patristic-era acknowledgment of papal authority in settling doctrine.
Major writings
The Tome of Leo
The doctrinal letter defining the two natures of Christ, decisive at Chalcedon.
Sermons
Nearly one hundred sermons, many on the primacy of Peter and the meaning of feasts.
Important teachings
Leo teaches that Peter continues to speak and govern through his successors in the see of Rome, so that whoever hears the bishop of Rome hears Peter. He also gave the classical Western formula for Chalcedonian Christology: one Person in two natures, unconfused and undivided.
Quotations
“The dispensation of truth abides, and blessed Peter, persevering in the strength of the Rock which he has received, has not abandoned the helm of the Church which he undertook.”
“Peter has spoken through Leo!”
“The properties of each nature and substance were preserved entire, and combined in one Person.”