Vincent Leonard

Vincent Martin Leonard (December 11, 1908 – August 28, 1994) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Pittsburgh from 1969 to 1983.

Vincent Leonard was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of nine children of Francis and Catherine (née Dolan) Leonard. His father worked in the steel mills. He was raised in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and received his early education at the parochial school of St. Brigid Church. After graduating from Duquesne University Preparatory School, he studied at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and then at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe.

Leonard was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Hugh C. Boyle on June 16, 1935. His first assignment was as assistant chaplain at Mercy Hospital, where he remained for two years. From 1937 to 1950, he was resident chaplain of Allegheny County Home and Woodville State Hospital. He was later named assistant chancellor (1950), chancellor (1951), and vicar general (1959) of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In addition to these duties, he was pastor of St. Patrick Church in the Strip District (1955–67) and of St. Philip Church in Crafton (1967–69). He was named a domestic prelate by Pope Pius XII in 1952.