Monday 10 November 2025
St Leo the Great
Wisdom 1:1-7. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way – Ps 138(139):1-10. Luke 17:1-6.
Wisdom and leadership
The Catholic world was overjoyed when Pope Leo XIV was announced as the next pontiff, taking on the role of Peter’s 266th successor and bishop of Rome. Today, we celebrate the feast day of the first Pope Leo, Leo the Great (c. 400–461AD). Legend has it he faced Atilla the Hun at Mantua in 452 and persuaded him not to attack Rome. Pope Leo’s chief concern was the preservation of the teaching handed down from the apostles. Most importantly, his Tome of Leo written for the Council of Chalcedon in 451 reaffirmed the human and divine nature of Jesus of Nazareth. Recognised for his wisdom and leadership during turbulent times on the Italian peninsula, he was made a Doctor of the Church in 1754. Let us pray that the good example of a long line of previous Pope Leos will enable our current Pope Leo XIV to lead the pilgrim Church on earth with wisdom, grace, mercy and justice.
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