Pope Leo VI LEO Sextus (123º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy
Pontificate: 28 May 928 –February 929
Leo VI LEO Sextus was the 123rd pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 28 May 928 –February 929 during the early medieval papacy. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.
Who Was Pope Leo VI LEO Sextus?
This biography of Leo VI LEO Sextus (123º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the early medieval papacy, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Leo. Born circa 880 Rome, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Leo VI LEO Sextus reigned during the early Middle Ages, when the papacy navigated the collapse of Roman order in the West, the rise of new kingdoms, and the missionary expansion of Christianity across Europe.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (28 May 928 –February 929) centered on governance during the early medieval papacy.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Leo VI LEO Sextus left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.
Key Highlights
- 123rd pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 28 May 928 –February 929
- Shepherded the Church during the early medieval papacy
- Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Leo VI LEO Sextus remains pope 123º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the early medieval papacy, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying Leo VI LEO Sextus helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the early medieval papacy — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
Leo VI LEO Sextus followed Pope John X (122º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Stephen VII (124º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.