Leo III | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Rome | |
 Mosaic at Triclinium Leoninum | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | 27 December 795 |
| Papacy ended | 12 June 816 |
| Predecessor | Adrian I |
| Successor | Stephen IV |
| Previous post(s) | Cardinal-Priest of Santa Susanna |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Died | 12 June 816 Rome, Papal States |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | 12 June |
| Venerated in | |
| Other popes named Leo | |
Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death. Protected by Charlemagne from the supporters of his predecessor, Adrian I, Leo subsequently strengthened Charlemagne's position by crowning him emperor. The coronation was not approved by most people in Constantinople, although the Byzantines, occupied with their own defenses, were in no position to offer much opposition to it.