About Pope St. Leo the Great
Pope St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461) served as Bishop of Rome from 440 until his death and is one of only a few popes to be honored with the title “the Great.” Renowned for his wisdom, courage, and theological clarity, he defended the Catholic faith during a time of political turmoil and doctrinal controversy.
St. Leo is best remembered for his Tome of Leo, a theological work that helped the Council of Chalcedon (451) clearly proclaim that Jesus Christ is one divine Person with two natures, fully God and fully man. His teaching played a pivotal role in safeguarding the Church’s understanding of Christ.
Tradition also remembers Pope Leo for courageously meeting Attila the Hun in 452 and persuading him not to attack the city of Rome. Whether through his preaching, pastoral leadership, or defense of the faith, St. Leo demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s providence.
Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1754, Pope St. Leo the Great continues to inspire Catholics with his love for Christ, his devotion to the unity of the Church, and his faithful service as the successor of St. Peter.
Who was Pope St. Leo the Great?
Pope St. Leo the Great was the Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461. He is one of the most influential popes in Church history, known for defending Catholic doctrine, strengthening the papacy, and serving the faithful with wisdom and courage.
What is the Pope St. Leo the Great Novena?
The Pope St. Leo the Great Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer asking for his intercession for the Church, the Holy Father, peace, wisdom, fidelity to the truth, and personal spiritual growth.
Why is Pope St. Leo called “the Great”?
He earned the title because of his outstanding leadership, theological writings, defense of the Catholic faith, and courageous service to the Church during times of crisis.
What is Pope St. Leo the Great the patron saint of?
While Pope St. Leo the Great does not have a universally recognized official patronage, Catholics often seek his intercession for the Church, bishops, theologians, preachers, and those defending the Catholic faith.
When is the feast day of Pope St. Leo the Great?
His feast day is celebrated on November 10.
What is the Tome of Leo?
The Tome of Leo is a letter written by Pope St. Leo the Great explaining the Church’s teaching that Jesus Christ is one Person with both a divine and a human nature. It was embraced by the Council of Chalcedon and remains a foundational text in Catholic Christology.
What can I pray for during this novena?
You may pray for the Church, the Holy Father, bishops and priests, unity among Christians, wisdom, courage in defending the faith, peace in the world, personal holiness, or any intention according to God’s will.
How do I pray the Pope St. Leo the Great Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days. Present your personal intentions, reflect on St. Leo’s example of faithful leadership, and ask for his intercession as you conclude with the traditional prayers.
Why is Pope St. Leo the Great important today?
Pope St. Leo’s teachings continue to guide Catholics in understanding the mystery of Christ and the mission of the Church. His example reminds believers to stand firm in the truth, remain faithful during difficult times, and trust in God’s protection.
| Novena Begins: | November 1 |
| Feast Day: | November 10 |
Day 1 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 2 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 3 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 4 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 5 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 6 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 7 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 8 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Day 9 – Pope St. Leo the Great Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against Your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in Your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pope St. Leo the Great, pray for us.
Pray: 1 Our Father…
Pray: 1 Hail Mary…
Pray: 1 Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…