St. Michael the Archangel, whose name means one who is like God, led the army of angels who cast Satan and the rebellious angels into Hell; at the end of time, he will wield the sword of justice to separate the righteous from the evil (cf. Revelation 12:7ff).

Pope Leo XIII (d. 1903) had a prophetic vision of the coming century of sorrow and war. After celebrating Mass, he composed the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God,

thrust down into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits

who roam about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

This prayer was to be said at the end of Mass