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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's Selection of Leo XIV: The Significance of His Chosen Moniker

On his inauguration on May 8th, Cardinal Robert Francis Prévost selected the name Leo XIV as his pontifical moniker. Exploring the significance of this chosen name.

,   and  ASMedia
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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, newly elected as the pope on May 8th, selected Leo XIV as his...
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, newly elected as the pope on May 8th, selected Leo XIV as his papal name. The moniker Leo XIV is derived from Latin, with 'Leo' signifying 'lion' and 'XIV' representing the fourteenth iteration of this name in the lineage of popes.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's Selection of Leo XIV: The Significance of His Chosen Moniker

Getting to Know Your Popes: The Significance Behind Their Names

Pontiffs, as we call them, are famous for more than just their spiritual leadership. Each one dons a new identity upon picking a name after being elected. Jean-Pierre Denis, a journalist and writer for Theopolitique, explains, "When he feels the heat rising in the College of Cardinals, as the votes begin to stack up, it's clear that he's made his choice and ponders the message he'll send with this name."

A Familiar Choice: Leo

Recently, we've had a new player step up to the thrones with the name León. This choice continues a legacy dating back to Pope Francis and the most recent León: León XIII, elected way back in 1878. He's renowned for being a man on the side of the less fortunate, actively engaging with the pressing social issues of his time. Leo is among the most selected papal names, coming in third after Clement, Benedict, and Gregory, and leading the pack is John.

Want to learn more? Check out the video above!

Historical and Symbolic Meaning Behind the Name

The name Leo carries with it substantial historical and symbolic weight. Popes have chosen this name 14 times, starting with Pope Leo I (also known as Leo the Great), who served from 440 to 461 AD. Pope Leo XIII, a proponent of sweeping social justice teachings, is especially recognized for his encyclical "Rerum Novarum" (Latin for "Of New Things"). This work forms a cornerstone of modern Catholic social doctrine. Choosing the name Leo signifies a dedication to social justice and forward-thinking leadership, harkening back to Leo XIII.

Top Papal Names Throughout History

  • John: Appears 23 times, most recently with Pope John XXIII (1958). This name is associated with St. John the Apostle or St. John the Baptist.
  • John Paul: First popularized by Pope John Paul I (1978), this composite name pays homage to Pope John XXIII and Paul VI, both notable for significant reforms in the Church.
  • Paul: Seen six times, last with Pope Paul VI in 1963. This name carries connections to St. Paul the Apostle, an influential figure in early Christianity.

The selection of a papal name often honors a predecessor or reflects the intended themes of their papacy. The choice of León XIV by the American pope alludes to these historical figures while signaling a dedication to social reforms and unity.

  1. The recent pope, named León, has chosen a name that continues a historical legacy, tracing back to Pope Leo XIII, who was elected in 1878 and was known for his advocacy for the less fortunate.
  2. The name Leo, chosen 14 times by popes, carries significant historical and symbolic weight, with Pope Leo I, also known as Leo the Great, being the first to adopt it.
  3. Residing in third place among the most selected papal names, León follows closely behind Clement, Benedict, and Gregory, with John taking the lead, appearing 23 times.
  4. The choice of León XIV by the American pope reflects a dedication to social reforms and unity, alluding to historical figures while signifying a commitment to addressing contemporary issues.

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