Background
Leo was a Roman, the son of Atyuppius and Elizabeth. He was born c. 750 AD in Rome, Exarchate of Ravenna, Roman Empire (now Italy).
Leo was a Roman, the son of Atyuppius and Elizabeth. He was born c. 750 AD in Rome, Exarchate of Ravenna, Roman Empire (now Italy).
The cardinal priest of Santa Susanna, Leo was unanimously elected to the papal see in 795. 4 years later, a bitter opposition, led by relatives of the deceased pontiff, charged him with perjury and adultery, waylaid him, and maltreated and imprisoned him.
Leo recovered and fled (799) to Charlemagne's protection at Paderborn.
In 800, Charlemagne went to Rome and conducted a trial during which Leo successfully defended himself against charges of misconduct made by his enemies. Two days afterwards, on Christmas Day, 800, protected by Charlemagne from his enemies in Rome, he subsequently strengthened Charlemagne's position by crowning him Holy Roman Emperor and "Augustus of the Romans".
Leo's successor, Stephen IV, crowned Charlemagne's son, Louis the Pious, and thus was established the papal claim to the right to consecrate the emperor.
In the East-West controversy over the Procession of the Holy Spirit, Leo declared that the Filioque of the creed was dogmatically necessary but liturgically dispensable, and he recommended its omission in the name of East-West unity.
Leo did much to beautify Christian Rome.
In the face of the tradition of the Church that the apostolic see can be judged by no man, Charlemagne was satisfied by an oath of Leo attesting his innocence.
