1. 10 Dates in Church History 452 AD: Pope St. Leo Repulses The Huns

2. Historical Background ► The Western Roman Empire was in turmoil: ► Bad economy: inflation and high cost of welfare., high cost of maintaining the empire. ► Political rivalry and barbarism, corruption from within ► Pagan practices and immorality still practiced even amongst so-called Christians ► An unstable military, especially along the frontier borders.

3. Attila and the Huns ► They were barbarians from Mongolia, astute on horseback and the bow; fearless and ruthless battle tactics. ► 435 AD, Attila rises to power that began his westward conquest of Europe. ► As Europe fell, Attila became feared as the “Scourge of God.” ► 452 AD, Attila invades the peninsula of Italy and demands that Rome pay tribute in exchange for peace.

4. Pope St. Leo and Attila ► Roman Emperor Valentinian fled and asked for Pope Leo’s prayers and divine intervention. ► As Attila approached Rome, Pope Leo and other Roman officials met with Attila. Legend has it that Attila had a vision… ► Attila may also have decided to spare Rome and Italy perhaps because Pope Leo left a good impression, or maybe other reasons… ► Attila dies in 453 AD from alcoholism. Without their leader, the Hun army dissipates.

5. What This Means in Church History ► Once Emperor Valentinian left, Rome was left to the authority of the papacy, which in turn became the ‘government’ in the absence of the emperor. ► The Pope must have prayed earnestly for divine intercession because it was believed that the invaders were God’s punishment for the immorality of the Romans. ► Attila could have easily conquered Rome but for reasons not fully known, decided to spare her. He met his untimely death one year later. ► It was through the leadership of the papacy and divine intervention that Christian Europe will be molded.