St Leo the Great was pope from 440-461, and thus far is only one of
two popes given the title “the Great.” He was born of Tuscan parents at the end
of the fourth century, and served as adviser to two popes, Celestine and Sixtus
III. He was elected to the papacy while still only a deacon while away in
France on a diplomatic mission. As pope he proved to be a strong advocate of
papal authority and of the teachings of the Council
of Chalcedon on the humanity and
divinity of Jesus Christ. He was the first pope to claim to be Peter’s
heir, which, according to Roman law, meant that all the rights and duties
associated with Peter lived on in Leo. Previous popes had spoken of their
succession to Peter’s Chair or appealed to his martyrdom and burial in Rome as
the basis of their authority. Thereafter, the popes increasingly regarded
themselves as standing in the place of Peter, exercising authority not only
over all of the faithful, but over all of the other bishops as well.
An interesting note: Leo was
very much for the idea that bishops were to be elected by the local clergy and
leading laity, and the election was to be ratified by the people generally.
This sentiment is often quoted but unfortunately has not been enforced for
centuries. “He who is in charge of all should be chosen by all,” declared Leo
the Great. The Church of the East was not as disposed to Leo’s papal claims as
the Church of the West. They were less than cooperative when Leo sent delegates
to their councils. Leo is also credited with a successful confrontation with
Attila the Hun, which saved some property and some lives. Upon his death
November 10, 461, Leo was buried in the portico, or porch of St. Peter’s. His
body was moved to the interior of the basilica in 688, and he was declared a
Doctor of the Church in 1754.
The gospel passage today
clearly illustrates how the Church is built upon the confession of Peter’s
faith in the divinity of Jesus, and we see reflected in this the assertion that
all popes – successors of Peter – have in claiming direct juridical descendancy
from Peter. The gifts of wisdom and understanding, given by God, confirm this
sacred structuring, and invites our obedient affirmation – for our good and the good of the whole Church.
The
mouth of the just man murmurs wisdom.
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