Pope Leo IX

Reign: 1049 – 1054
Life: 1002–1054

Leo IX is considered to be one of the most historically significant popes of the Middle Ages; he was instrumental in the precipitation of the Great Schism of 1054, considered the turning point in which the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches formally separated. Leo IX favoured traditional morality in his reformation of the Catholic Church. Here too, simony and clerical marriage were the principal matters dealt with. He is regarded as a saint by the Catholic Church; his feast day is celebrated on 19 April.

During Pope Leo IX's reign, Henry III ruled Holy Roman Empire, Edward the Confessor ruled England, and Macbeth ruled Scotland.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich

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From the library

Go deeper on Pope Leo IX

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Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy

John Julius Norwich

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Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes
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