The legacy of Saint Leo: a name rooted in strength and service
Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, five popes bearing the name Leo have been canonized as saints. Each brought spiritual depth, courage and leadership to the papacy during times of great challenge. The name Leo, meaning “lion” in Latin, has long symbolized strength, wisdom and fidelity—qualities these pontiffs embodied in service to the church.
This legacy is reflected locally in the Diocese of Erie through St. Leo Magnus Parish in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1874, the parish honors St. Leo the Great, one of the most influential popes in church history. Today, St. Leo Magnus remains a vibrant faith community and home to St. Leo School, part of the Elk County Catholic School System. The parish’s enduring commitment to Catholic education, liturgy and service serves as a living witness to the strength and spiritual leadership embodied in the name Leo.
Pope Saint Leo I – Leo the Great (Papacy: 440–461)
Feast Day: November 10
Saint Leo I, the first pope to be called “the Great,” is one of only two popes honored as Doctors of the Church. He is best known for:
- Defending orthodox Christology at the Council of Chalcedon
- Persuading Attila the Hun to retreat from Italy in 452
- Strengthening papal authority and articulating a theology of the papacy
Pope Saint Leo II (Papacy: 682–683)
Feast Day: July 3
Saint Leo II’s brief papacy followed a tumultuous theological period. He:
- Confirmed the decisions of the Third Council of Constantinople
- Condemned the Monothelite heresy
- Was admired for his charitable works and knowledge of Greek and Latin
Pope Saint Leo III (Papacy: 795–816)
Feast Day: June 12
Best known for crowning Charlemagne as Emperor of the Romans in 800, Leo III:
- Strengthened ties between the papacy and the Frankish kingdom
- Reasserted papal independence despite political turmoil
- Survived an assassination attempt and was later vindicated by Charlemagne
Pope Saint Leo IV (Papacy: 847–855)
Feast Day: July 17
Saint Leo IV led during a time of external threats to Rome. He:
- Oversaw rebuilding and fortification of Rome after Saracen attacks
- Formed a Christian naval alliance that defeated the Saracens at the Battle of Ostia
- Commissioned the construction of the Leonine Wall around the Vatican
Pope Saint Leo IX (Papacy: 1049–1054)
Feast Day: April 19
A reformer pope, Saint Leo IX is remembered for:
- Combatting simony and promoting clerical celibacy
- Leading synods throughout Europe to renew Church discipline
- Engaging in events that contributed to the East–West Schism of 1054
A name of great meaning
The choice of the name Leo by a new pontiff places him in a rich tradition of holy and bold leadership. It evokes a legacy of popes who shaped the church with vision, courage and fidelity to the truth.
Sources: Britannica, New Advent, Catholic.org