Leo III: Architect of an Empire
Navigating the turbulent currents of the late 8th and early 9th centuries, Pope Leo III forged a legacy that would shape the course of Western civilization.
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His Rise to Papacy
Roman Roots and Ecclesiastical Service
Born in Rome, Leo III was the son of Atzuppius (or Asupius) and Elizabeth. His parentage may suggest Greek or Arab origins, and he was known to speak Greek. He held significant positions within the Church, including Cardinal-Priest of Santa Susanna and Vestiarius (chief of the pontifical treasury or wardrobe).
Swift Election and Frankish Alliance
Elected on December 26, 795, the day after Pope Adrian I's burial, and consecrated the next day. This haste likely aimed to prevent external interference, particularly from the Franks. Leo immediately sought an alliance with Charlemagne, sending him the keys of St. Peter and the city standard, acknowledging the Frankish king as the protector of the Holy See.
The Pontificate
Charlemagne's Protectorate
Charlemagne's support allowed Leo to generously fund Roman churches and charitable institutions. Charlemagne's correspondence reveals a relationship of mutual respect, tempered by the king's assertion of his role as protector and spiritual overseer.
Governance and Doctrine
Leo III intervened in ecclesiastical matters, notably restoring King Eardwulf of Northumbria and resolving disputes between the Archbishops of York and Canterbury. He also reversed a previous papal decision concerning the pallium for the Bishop of Lichfield. Theologically, he firmly supported the Western doctrine of the Filioque and refused to alter the Nicene Creed, safeguarding its original form with inscriptions on silver shields at St. Peter's.
The Attack of 799
Treachery and Violence
In 799, a conspiracy, possibly fueled by jealousy or social hierarchy concerns, led to an attack on Pope Leo III during the Greater Litanies. He was violently assaulted, with attempts made to blind and silence him, leaving him injured. He was rescued by Frankish officials.
Seeking Justice
After fleeing to Paderborn to meet Charlemagne, Leo faced accusations of adultery and perjury. Charlemagne convened a council in Rome, where Leo successfully cleared himself through an oath of purgation on December 23, 800, leading to the exile of his accusers.
The Imperial Coronation
A New Emperor
On Christmas Day, 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Emperor of the Romans. This pivotal event, reportedly surprising Charlemagne himself according to Einhard, symbolized a significant shift in the political landscape of Western Europe.
Geopolitical Ramifications
The coronation created a Western Roman Emperor, challenging the authority of the Byzantine Empire. Leo also temporarily entrusted Corsica to Charlemagne's protection in 808 due to Muslim raids, though the islands later faced occupation.
Theological Stance
Doctrinal Support
Leo III unambiguously supported the Western theological position on the procession of the Holy Spirit (from both Father and Son), deeming it a fundamental mystery of faith.
Preserving the Creed
He refused to alter the Nicene Creed, recognizing its divine origin. To safeguard its purity, Leo III had two silver shields inscribed with the unadulterated creed in both Greek and Latin, placed at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica.
Death and Legacy
Final Years and Burial
Pope Leo III died on June 12, 816, concluding a pontificate of over two decades. His remains were eventually interred with other Popes named Leo, and later separated into his own chapel.
Veneration
Canonized by Pope Clement X in 1673, his feast day is celebrated on June 12, recognizing his significant contributions and enduring influence.
Further Exploration
Related Topics
- Pope Leo III
- List of Catholic Saints
- List of Popes
- Donation of Constantine
- Charlemagne
- History of the Papacy
References
Source Citations
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References
References
- Hans-Georg Beck, "Die Herkunft des Papstes Leo III", Frühmittelalterliche Studien: Jahrbuch des Instituts fur Frühmittelalterforschung der Universität Münster, 3 (1969): 131â137.
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