What makes a true shepherd great? Strength in leadership, courage in the face of danger, and clarity in truth. Today, the Church celebrates Pope St. Leo the Great, whose faith shaped both the Church and the world during one of history’s darkest times.

When Attila the Hun and his brutal army advanced toward Rome, Pope Leo — a frail, elderly man — went out alone to meet him. History records that Attila turned away after the encounter, claiming to have seen two mighty figures standing beside the Pope — St. Peter and St. Paul — with an army of angels behind them. God Himself defended His Church through the courage and faith of His servant.

Yet Pope Leo’s greatest battle was not fought with swords, but with words. In an age of confusion, he boldly defended the truth about Christ’s nature — fully God and fully man — against the rising heresies of his day. His Tome of Leo helped form the Council of Chalcedon’s great declaration of faith: Christ is “one and the same Son... perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity.” The Fathers of the Council proclaimed, “Peter has spoken through Leo.”

As Fr. Matthew reminds us, truth and mercy always go hand in hand. Pope Leo not only defended doctrine but lived charity — protecting the poor, reconciling enemies, and calling sinners to conversion. His courage calls us today to the same mission: to seek truth, forgive freely, and love without fear.

May St. Leo the Great intercede for the Church today — that our shepherds may lead with the same faith, wisdom, and courage that once stopped an empire and safeguarded the Gospel for generations.