Includes bibliographical references.

Preliminary Material / S. Wessel -- Introduction To Leo The Great And The Late Roman World That Was His Stage / S. Wessel -- Chapter 1. The Relationship Between Rome And The Western Churches / S. Wessel -- Chapter 2. The Idea Of Justice And Its Bearing Upon Law And Mercy / S. Wessel -- Chapter 3. Suffering, Compassion, And The Care Of The Poor / S. Wessel -- Chapter 4. The Humanity Of Christ As A Model For Compassion / S. Wessel -- Chapter 5. Overturning The Robber Synod And Preserving Christ’S Human Nature / S. Wessel -- Chapter 6. The Elaboration Of The Roman Primacy / S. Wessel -- Chapter 7. Striving For Unity After Chalcedon / S. Wessel -- Chapter 8. The ‘City Of God’ Unfolds In History / S. Wessel -- Bibliography Of Primary Sources / S. Wessel -- Bibliography Of Secondary Literature / S. Wessel -- Index / S. Wessel.

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Leo the Great was a major figure of the late Roman world whose life and work were profoundly intertwined with the political crisis of his day. As the western empire gradually succumbed to the advancing barbarian kingdoms, Leo understood that the papacy needed to expand its authority in order for the church to survive the demise of the political system. This book argues that his achievement was to transform the church not only in the practical level of administrative organization, but in the more fluid realm of thought and idea. The secular Rome that was crumbling was replaced with a Christian, universal Rome that he fashioned by infusing his theology with humanitarian ideals.