Pope Leo IV was a Benedictine monk who built the Leonine wall after it was sacked by the Saracens in 846. He made the Vatican a fortress. He organized an alliance of Italian cities that defeated a Saracen fleet at the Battle of Ostia in 849. As spiritual father, he battled the issues around priestly celibacy.

Most interestingly, he was known for placing the bronze rooster atop the bell tower of the old Constantine Basilica.

One can correlate this with Peter’s denial, humility, and remembering the roots of the papacy. Others found that roosters on the bell towers of most other churches stood both as a symbol of vigilance and to announce the break of day after the darkness of the night.

He has been given the nickname “Restorer of Rome” for caring for its poor, maintaining strong relationships with Emperors, and becoming the kingmaker of kings.

The Church always looks to strengthen the bonds of community and have a voice in the world. Leo IV is an example of the strength of the body of Christ and that the Church will remain steadfast in it.