Pope from January 3, 936 - July 13, 939
Died: July 13, 939
Give me the scoop on Leo VII.
Leo was a Roman, and served at the Church of St. Sixtus prior to being pope. He was also likely a Benedictine monk. Despite having no ambition to become pope, Leo was chosen by Alberic II, the Roman senator, to succeed John XI. Leo and Alberic were both solid men -- Leo was even considered a saint by some -- and thus worked well together to further their respective missions. Leo died July 13, 939, but nothing is known for certain about the circumstances.
What was he known for?
Leo is best known for having worked closely with St. Odo of Cluny, abbot of the great monastery there, throughout his three and a half years as pope. Odo looked to Rome for help in his effort to reform many bad practices in monastic life, which Leo gladly gave. Apparently, many monasteries had become family affairs in which the head of a family decided on the next abbot (as opposed to the order itself having control). Odo also helped Leo in a pinch when Hugh, the King of Italy, came storming back to Rome looking to overthrow Alberic, his stepson. The abbot was able to keep the peace, for which Leo was eternally grateful.
Fun fact: Many centuries after Leo’s death, a bit of legend surfaced that he died of a heart attack while hanging out with a mistress. No need to get riled up though. Since there’s no basis whatsoever for its truth, the rumor is just that: a rumor.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
In 939, the nation of Vietnam -- then known as Dai Co Viet -- gained its independence from China.
Coming Tomorrow...Pope Stephen IX
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Died: July 13, 939
Give me the scoop on Leo VII.
Leo was a Roman, and served at the Church of St. Sixtus prior to being pope. He was also likely a Benedictine monk. Despite having no ambition to become pope, Leo was chosen by Alberic II, the Roman senator, to succeed John XI. Leo and Alberic were both solid men -- Leo was even considered a saint by some -- and thus worked well together to further their respective missions. Leo died July 13, 939, but nothing is known for certain about the circumstances.
What was he known for?
Leo is best known for having worked closely with St. Odo of Cluny, abbot of the great monastery there, throughout his three and a half years as pope. Odo looked to Rome for help in his effort to reform many bad practices in monastic life, which Leo gladly gave. Apparently, many monasteries had become family affairs in which the head of a family decided on the next abbot (as opposed to the order itself having control). Odo also helped Leo in a pinch when Hugh, the King of Italy, came storming back to Rome looking to overthrow Alberic, his stepson. The abbot was able to keep the peace, for which Leo was eternally grateful.
Fun fact: Many centuries after Leo’s death, a bit of legend surfaced that he died of a heart attack while hanging out with a mistress. No need to get riled up though. Since there’s no basis whatsoever for its truth, the rumor is just that: a rumor.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
In 939, the nation of Vietnam -- then known as Dai Co Viet -- gained its independence from China.
SOURCES (and further reading)
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Guruge, A. (2010). The Next Pope. New Hampshire: WOWNH
Pope Leo VII - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09160a.htm
Pope Leo VII - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_VII
930s - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/930s
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Yes, it powers and sponsors Popes in a Year, but it's so much more than that. In fact, it's the smartest, most powerful communication tool a ministry can use for regular communication with its members. Invite your ministry to try it free!