Leo the Great

Also: Pope Leo I, Leo Magnus

Born perhaps between 390 and 400; the place is not known. Died in 461, in Roma (now Rome, Italy).

Pope from 440 to 461. His Tome set out the teaching on Christ that the Council of Chalcedon accepted, and he met Attila to turn him back from Rome.

Wrote in Latin. A major author.

Places lived

430 to 461Roma (now Rome, Italy)deacon, pope from 440years probableIn 440 he was in Gaul on a mission. In 452 he met Attila near Mantua.

3 works, in the order they were written. 3 works can be read here.

Letters440 to 461 · in Roma (now Rome, Italy) · letterAbout 140 letters of his own on doctrine and church order.97,494 words
Sermons440 to 461 · in Roma (now Rome, Italy) · homilyNinety-six sermons for the feasts and fasts of the church year.81,615 words
Tome to Flavian449 · in Roma (now Rome, Italy) · letterThe letter on the two natures of Christ that the Council of Chalcedon accepted.5,529 words

How we know the dates and places

Born not sure: No ancient source. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Leo I'.
Place of birth not known: The Liber Pontificalis 47 says he was a Tuscan. He himself calls Rome his home (Letter 31). No town is sure.
Died sure: Liber Pontificalis 47 (bishop for 21 years, 1 month and 13 days). The usual date is 10 November 461; the Liber Pontificalis itself puts his burial on 11 April
Place of death sure: Liber Pontificalis 47
Roma, years probable: John Cassian, On the Incarnation, preface (a leading deacon about 430); Prosper of Aquitaine, Chronicle, at the year 440
Roma, place sure: John Cassian, On the Incarnation, preface (a leading deacon about 430); Prosper of Aquitaine, Chronicle, at the year 440