The Lions of Rome

Fourteen Popes. Fifteen Centuries. One Name.

From the collapse of the Roman Empire to the challenges of the modern world, fourteen popes chose the name Leo and helped shape the history of the Catholic Church.

Some were saints. Some were reformers. Some guided the Church through wars, invasions, theological controversies, corruption, and cultural upheaval. One confronted Attila the Hun. Another crowned Charlemagne and helped reshape Europe. Others stood at the center of the Great Schism, the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and the rise of modern Catholic social teaching.

In The Lions of Rome, author Corey Giammarinaro traces the lives and legacies of the fourteen popes who carried the name of the lion. Written for ordinary readers rather than scholars, this engaging and accessible history brings fifteen centuries of Church history to life through vivid storytelling, memorable personalities, and fascinating historical events.

Whether you are a lifelong Catholic, a student of history, or simply curious about the papacy, this book offers a unique journey through the triumphs, failures, challenges, and enduring faith that shaped the Church across the centuries.

Inside you'll discover:

• The dramatic encounter between Pope Leo I and Attila the Hun
• The crowning of Charlemagne and the birth of a new empire
• The scandals and struggles of the Dark Century papacy
• The Great Schism between East and West
• The role of Leo X during the Protestant Reformation
• The lasting influence of Leo XIII and Catholic social teaching
• The significance of Pope Leo XIV and the future of the Church

Discover the remarkable men who carried the name Leo-and the enduring story of the Church they helped lead.