Catholic Saints St. Leo the Great
Nov 10, 2025
In this discussion, Dr. Carl Vennerstrom, a theology professor with expertise in Church councils, shares insights on Pope St. Leo the Great. They delve into why Leo is called 'the Great,' exploring his significant role during the Council of Chalcedon amidst fierce Christological debates. The episode reveals Leo's diplomatic encounter with Attila the Hun and highlights his effective administration that fostered unity and charity in the Church. Vennerstrom also emphasizes Leo's virtues of courage and moderation, which made him a pivotal figure in ecclesiastical history.
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Context And Leo’s Moderate Role
- Pope Leo lived during intense 5th-century Christological controversies about Christ's divine and human natures.
- His moderation and prudence allowed him to offer a middle ground that clarified how the two natures relate without collapsing or dividing them.
The Tome That Shaped Chalcedon
- Leo wrote the Tome to Patriarch Flavian explaining Christ as two natures in one person, which Chalcedon adopted.
- The council declared that "Peter spoke through Leo," affirming Rome's doctrinal influence.
Chalcedon’s Fourfold Formula
- Chalcedon's famous formula: Christ is one person in two natures "without confusion, without change, without division, or without separation."
- Leo used negative boundaries to respect mystery and avoid inadequate categories for God.
