Leo was born and raised in Rome; when he grew up he became a priest. He was the Priest of St. John Lateran’s, which is a very big and very famous basilica in Rome. It is such a special Church that it is called an Archbasilica, because it is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. During Leo’s life, there were two Popes who died very close together, Pope Gregory IV and Pope Sergius II; both these Popes loved Leo and thought he was a wonderful priest. After Pope Sergius died, Leo was chosen to be the next Pope. As Pope, Leo made sure that the city of Rome was very well protected, as there were barbarians (the Saracens) who wanted to attack it. He made sure the walls around the city were made stronger so they could not be attacked. He helped priests to live more holy and prayerful lives, by creating rules for them to follow. Pope Leo stood up to many priests and bishops who wanted to live their own way and make their own rules, but he did not change the rules that he knew were right. Everyone loved Pope Leo IV because he took good care of God's Church. God also performed many miracles through His humble servant, Pope Leo IV.
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