Saint Quote: Pope Saint Leo the Great

Leo I Meeting Attila the Hun

It cannot be doubted that the poor can more easily attain the blessing of humility than those who are rich. In the case of the poor, the lack of worldly goods is often accompanied by a quiet gentleness, whereas the rich are more prone to arrogance. Nevertheless, many wealthy people are disposed to use their abundance not to swell their own pride but to perform works of benevolence. They consider their greatest gain what they spend to alleviate the distress of others. This virtue is open to all men, no matter what their class or condition, because all can be equal in their willingness to give, however unequal they may be in earthly fortune.

-- Pope St. Leo the Great

**In 452, Attila and his Huns invaded Italy and were about to attack defenseless Rome when he was met at the gates by Pope Saint Leo the Great. In this face-to-face meeting with Leo, Attila was dissuaded from destroying the city.

As Leo spoke, Attila saw the vision of a man in priestly robes, carrying a bare sword, and threatening to kill the invader if he did not obey Pope Leo. As Leo had a great devotion to Saint Peter, it is generally believed the first Pope Peter was the visionary opponent to the invading Huns.

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