Pope 45
Leo I
The 45th pope in the Holy See's list of Supreme Pontiffs, serving as Bishop of Rome from 29.IX.440 to 10.XI.461. The Holy See lists his birthplace as Tuscia.
Why this pontificate matters
Leo I matters because the papal office becomes clearer in language and public action. He is one of the first popes whose profile feels large enough to read as both theologian and Roman pastor in a world under political strain.
His pontificate sits at the turn from late Roman stability into western imperial collapse.
Major pope pages are places where richer essays can be added without changing the core sequence.
Predecessor
- Sixtus III · succeeded in see · documented
Leo I follows Sixtus III as Bishop of Rome in the Holy See's sequential list of Supreme Pontiffs.
Successor
- Hilarius · succeeded in see · documented
Hilarius follows Leo I as Bishop of Rome in the Holy See's sequential list of Supreme Pontiffs.