Ian Patrick McDole

Research Topic

"Leo IX: Theology and Politics in Early Eleventh-Century Lotharingia"

My research looks at the political and theological ideas in the early eleventh-century, especially as they pertain to Bruno of Toul, who was named pope in 1049, taking the name Leo IX.  His actions helped to shape future policies between the Church and the Empire.  My research concentrates on Leo's ideas, evaluating how they have been viewed as a catalyst for reform, and seeing how his education and career as bishop of Toul help to explain contemporary view on eccelsiastical influences in imperial governance at the time. 

Academic Profile:

• Bachelor's of Arts, University of Notre Dame (2006)
• Bachelor's of Sacred Theology (STB), Pontifical Gregorian University (2009)
• Licence in Canon Law (JCL), Pontifical Gregorian University (2012)
• Master's of Arts in Medieval History, King's College London (2017)
• Doctorate of History, University of Oxford (Pending)

Supervisor: Dr Mark Philpott, Prof Lesley Smith