Why Did the New Pope Choose the Name Leo XIV? A Powerful Message for the Modern Church

Introduction: A Name That Speaks Volumes

A pope’s name is never chosen at random. When American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Bishop of Rome, he surprised many by choosing the name Leo XIV. Why revive a name that hadn’t been used since the early 20th century? The answer lies in his desire to follow in the footsteps of Pope Leo XIII — a pope who reconciled the Church with modernity. Let’s explore the meaning behind this choice and what it signals for Catholics, especially in the United States.

Pope Leo XIII: Modern, Social, and Intellectual

Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903) is known as the father of Catholic social teaching. His landmark encyclical, Rerum novarum (1891), boldly condemned both unregulated capitalism and socialism while defending workers’ rights to fair wages and reasonable working hours. By choosing the name Leo, the new pope is signaling a commitment to social justice rooted in Catholic doctrine—much like Pope Francis before him.

A Message to American Catholics

As a native of the United States, Pope Leo XIV is clearly speaking to the challenges facing American Catholics today. His name choice suggests a desire to unify a Church that is often divided over modern issues: social justice, scientific progress, and political polarization. By referencing Leo XIII, a pope who valued science and reason, Leo XIV reaches out to intellectuals, scientists, and young people—especially those disillusioned with institutional religion.

A Church That Builds Bridges

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV echoed one of Pope Francis’ most memorable messages: "build bridges, not walls." The name Leo thus becomes a symbol of dialogue, reconciliation, and engagement with the world. In a time of cultural fragmentation, this message resonates deeply—especially within the diverse and polarized landscape of American Catholicism.

Conclusion: Leo XIV, a Name with Purpose

By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope places himself in the tradition of reform, dialogue, and justice. It’s a choice that speaks to both past wisdom and future challenges—and one that invites American Catholics to rediscover the Church’s role in shaping a better, more compassionate world.