In 452, Leo I risked his life by traveling hundreds of miles from Rome to meet Attila the Hun, who was in the midst of a murderous campaign across continental Europe.

The name is tied to Pope Leo the First, who persuaded Attila the Hun to spare Rome. Pentagon considers shifting Greenland to US Northern Command, sparking concerns over Trump’s ambitions for the ...

From challenging Attila the Hun to putting the papacy on film, previous Pope Leos have played a surprising role in world history.

The current Pope Leo undoubtedly knows the story: Raphael’s fresco depicting Leo and Attila can be seen in the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican, near the Sistine Chapel.

From Pope Leo I and his purported exchange with Attila the Hun to Pope Leo IX's role in the Great Schism of A.D. 1054, the pontifical name holds great importance within the Roman Catholic Church.

The first Pope Leo was canonized a saint because, according to lore or legend, he met Attila the Hun and persuaded the ruthless invader of Europe to spare Rome.