Tome
Quick Summary
The "Tome" is a significant theological work by Pope St. Leo I, also known as Leo the Great. Written around 449 CE, the Tome addressed the teachings of the monk Eutyches, who believed Christ had only one nature. Leo's Tome precisely articulated the doctrine of Christ's Incarnation, asserting that Christ possesses two natures—fully human and fully divine—united in one person. This theological formulation was crucial in combating heresy and was later affirmed as the ultimate truth by the Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE. Leo's insightful writings and strong leadership during a turbulent period for the Roman Empire earned him the title "Leo the Great".12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Council of Chalcedon…persons in Christ, and the Tome of Pope Leo I confirming two distinct natures in Christ and rejecting the monophysite doctrine that Christ had only one nature. The council then explained these doctrines in its own confession of faith.
Read More…persons in Christ, and the Tome of Pope Leo I confirming two distinct natures in Christ and rejecting the monophysite doctrine that Christ had only one nature. The council then explained these doctrines in its own confession of faith.
Read More
JesusThe settlement at Chalcedon…Christ, as formulated in the Tome of Pope Leo I of Rome. Chalcedon declared:
Read More…Christ, as formulated in the Tome of Pope Leo I of Rome. Chalcedon declared:
Read More
ChristologyFrom Nicaea to Chalcedon…an epistle known as Leo’s Tome, which argued against the notions that Jesus had only one nature and that his two natures did not fuse into one person. In 451 the Council of Chalcedon adopted Leo’s position, thereby resolving the Christological controversy. The council concluded that Jesus was
Read More…an epistle known as Leo’s Tome, which argued against the notions that Jesus had only one nature and that his two natures did not fuse into one person. In 451 the Council of Chalcedon adopted Leo’s position, thereby resolving the Christological controversy. The council concluded that Jesus was
Read More
Roman CatholicismThe early medieval papacy…the role played by his Tome of 449 in the formula of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 were part of a concerted campaign by Leo to consolidate and extend the jurisdiction of the see of Rome to remote areas such as Gaul, Spain, and North Africa. This extended jurisdiction…
Read More…the role played by his Tome of 449 in the formula of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 were part of a concerted campaign by Leo to consolidate and extend the jurisdiction of the see of Rome to remote areas such as Gaul, Spain, and North Africa. This extended jurisdiction…
Read More
