Leo IX, Saint (1002-1054), was elected pope in 1049. The most significant event of his reign was the diplomatic mission he sent to Constantinople in 1054. His legate (representative) excommunicated the patriarch of Constantinople, which marked the beginning of the schism (split) between the Western and Eastern churches. See Eastern Orthodox Churches (History) .
Leo was a vigorous reformer. Shortly after his election, he summoned a synod (council) that outlawed simony, the buying of religious offices. Simony had been one of the chief abuses within the church. This was the first of a series of reforming synods Leo held in Italy, France, and Germany. He issued decrees against simony, clerical marriage, and many other church problems. His actions increased the prestige of the papacy.
Leo was born on June 21, 1002, in Egisheim, now in France, near Colmar. He was called Bruno of Egisheim before becoming pope. He died on April 19, 1054. His feast day is April 19.
