Pope Leo III

Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 until he passed away in 816.

He was protected by Charlemagne, who was supported by Leo when he crowned him emperor. This important event helped strengthen Charlemagne's rule, even though many people in Constantinople did not agree with the coronation. However, the Byzantine leaders were busy defending themselves and could not strongly oppose it.

Rise

Pope Leo III was born in Rome. He was made a important priest by Pope Adrian I.

Leo was chosen to be pope on December 26, 795, the same day Pope Adrian I was buried. He asked Charlemagne for help, sending him special items to show he saw the Frankish king as a protector. Charlemagne sent back friendly messages and some treasures he had taken from others.

Pontificate

Charlemagne helped Pope Leo III, allowing him to support churches and charities in Rome. Though Charlemagne respected Leo, he also reminded him of his important duties.

One day in 799, some relatives of the former pope tried to hurt Leo during a special church event. They attacked him and tried to hurt his face, but Leo was saved by Charlemagne's helpers and taken to safety. Later, Leo had to answer serious accusations, but after a meeting in Rome, his opponents were sent away.

On Christmas Day in 800, Leo crowned Charlemagne as emperor. This made some people in Constantinople unhappy, but they were too busy defending themselves to do much about it. Leo also helped settle disputes among church leaders and supported certain beliefs about the Holy Spirit.

Death and legacy

Pope Leo III passed away in the year 816 after leading for over 20 years. At first, he was buried in a special monument made just for him. Later, his remains were placed in a tomb with the first four popes who were also named Leo. In the 1700s, the relics of Leo the Great were separated, and Leo III was given his own chapel.

Leo III was recognized as a saint by Pope Clement X. In 1673, his name was added to the Roman Martyrology.