THE LIFE OF LEO

THE GREAT, TRULY THE GREATEST AND MOST HOLY PONTIFF.

Large decorative drop cap 'L' featuring two nude cherubic figures (putti) struggling or playing within the ornate framework of the letter.Pope LEO, the first of that name, both Tuscan by nationality and born to his father Quintianus, was created pontiff in the place of the deceased Sixtus III, and this not without the singular agreement of all those voting. This was more or less the year 441 after the birth of Christ, according to the cycle of Dionysius original: "cyclum Dionysij"; referring to Dionysius Exiguus, the 6th-century monk who devised the Anno Domini dating system.. At which time, still serving as a deacon far away in Gaul, he was occupied with great and holy zeal in restoring peace between Aetius and Albinus Aetius was a powerful Roman general; his conflict with the magistrate Albinus threatened the stability of the Western Empire.. From there, therefore, called to Rome by a public embassy—as one whom not ambition, but virtue, nor so much human favor as the will of a propitious divinity had raised to the height of the supreme pontifical dignity—he arrived, having been long awaited with the burning desire and great patience of all. With affairs in Gaul excellently settled, he was hailed as Supreme Pontiff in Rome with the great applause of all.

Then that man, most humane The author is playing on the word "humaniſſimus" (most humane/kind), contrasting it with his name "Leo" (Lion), which usually suggests ferocity. despite the meaning of his name, gave thanks in turn to the assembled circle of Bishops, partly because he saw himself safe and sound after a long journey among those healthy fathers, and partly because by the singular kindness of God, the Best and Greatest, and by their harmonious will, this most ample office had been entrusted to him. But the hope he received from divine protection—namely, that with Christ’s help he would satisfy the duties of the office original: "prouinciæ"; here used in the sense of a duty or sphere of responsibility rather than a geographic province. he had undertaken—was also tempered by a worried sorrow of mind, so that he thought he should not so much rejoice as mourn. In this regard, he was not unlike that king who, having weighed the cares of royal dignity, did not think the crown lying on the ground before his eyes should even be lifted to his head.

Therefore, as pertains to expressing the image of a good shepherd, he joined the greatest modesty with an ardent faith in Christ, as can be obscure to no one if they look even cursorily at the first sermons by this author that are now read. That apostolic shepherd occupied that apostolic chair for twenty-one years, being the forty-third guardian and prelate of the Christian Church since Blessed Peter, the prince of the apostles. Furthermore, as if foreknowing the future, he seems to have wished to diligently prepare himself throughout his whole life for the excellent office of the Pontificate; he took care from his youth to have his heart instructed especially in these things: namely, the hidden understanding of the sacred volumes, much practice in the scriptures, various readings of the doctors, sound judgment, no common prudence, and a sincere and strong mind (as the meaning of his name demanded). Finally, he possessed a ready eloquence of tongue, but a heart both readier and purer, which is the fountain... The text cuts off here at the bottom of the page; the catchword "est" indicates the next page begins with "is."