The ninth Lion of Rome was made a bishop at the age of 25. He was born Bruno of Egisheim-Dagsburg in eastern France.

After Pope Damasus II died in 1048, a small group of clergy selected Bruno as papal successor. Upon hearing this news, Bruno refused to accept the election until there was a proper process of selecting Rome’s next bishop.

Bruno then put on the clothing of a poor pilgrim and walked all the way from France to Rome. With no ceremonial pomp, the people received him warmly and called for him to be their pope. At this moment, Bruno took the name of Pope Leo IX. His legacy of humility left a lasting mark on the Church.