Pope's Elected Name Reflects Dedication to Social Equality: Leo XIV

Going for the Thirteenth Time: Pope Leo XIV's Social Legacy

Robert Francis Prevost's selection of the papal name "Pope Leo XIV" leaves many scratching their heads, but experts suggest it's much more than a mere title. This choice offers a peek into the social focus he intends to bring to his papacy.

"Let's face it, when an American becomes pope, and he decides to go with 'Pope Leo XIV', it's like a, 'what the...' moment," said Natalia Imperatori-Lee, the chair of religious studies at Manhattan University. "But it means to me he'll keep the work of Leo XIII moving forward."

Indeed, Pope Leo XIII, a former head of the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903, set the stage for modern Catholic social thought. His 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, addressed workers' rights and capitalism during the industrial revolution, criticizing both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism. This led to a unique brand of economic teaching within the Catholic Church.

Impactful Choices: Signs of Things to Come?

Is this a deep sign of commitment to social issues, as Imperatori-Lee suggests? Perhaps. By adopting the name Leo, the new pope might be saying something about social justice that it will be a priority. It could also be a nod to Pope Leo XIII's advocacy for workers' rights and fair treatment of the marginalized.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the reference to Leo XIII and the Church's social doctrine, basing it on the Rerum Novarum encyclical, a foundational document for the Church's social teachings.

But wait, there's more. The name Leon could refer to Brother Leo, a 13th-century friar and close companion of St. Francis of Assisi. By choosing such a name, the new pope could be signaling a strong continuity with Pope Francis, who chose his regal moniker after the dear saint.

Battling Barbarians and Basilicas: Leon for More than Just a Pope

Throughout the first millennium, popes normally used their given names. However, the first exception was Pope Leo I, who perhaps aptly repelled the barbarian invasion of Attila the Hun in 452 A.D. and dissuaded him from sacking Rome through diplomacy.

Likewise, Pope Leo XIII elevated the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii to a papal basilica in 1901.

Breaking the Mold: Naming Popes for a Purpose

From the mid-20th century, new popes began to choose names reflecting the aims of their papacy. Pope Leo XIV's choice seems to follow this pattern. Choosing such a name could mean that the new pope intends to address contemporary social issues with a similar dedication to the principles of Catholic social doctrine, aligning with the historical initiatives of Pope Leo XIII.

(FRANCE 24 with AP)

Enrichment Data:- By choosing the name Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost signals a commitment to continuing the social justice legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who emphasized the dignity and rights of the working class through his encyclicals.- This choice likely indicates that Pope Leo XIV may prioritize issues related to economic justice and the welfare of the poor, aligning with the historical initiatives of Pope Leo XIII.- By choosing a name associated with strong leaders, Pope Leo XIV may aim to tackle contemporary social issues with a similar level of dedication to Catholic social doctrine principles.- Pope Leo XIV's name choice may reflect an emphasis on leadership in times of adversity, like Pope Leo I, who defended Rome against Attila the Hun, and Pope Leo XIII, who shaped modern Catholic social thought.

Robert Prevost's selection of the papal name "Pope Leo XIV" seems to signal a commitment to continuing the social justice legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who emphasized the dignity and rights of the working class through his encyclicals.
This choice by Pope Leo XIV likely indicates that he may prioritize issues related to economic justice and the welfare of the poor, aligning with the historical initiatives of Pope Leo XIII.
By choosing a name associated with strong leaders, Pope Leo XIV may aim to tackle contemporary social issues with a similar level of dedication to Catholic social doctrine principles, much like Pope Leo I, who defended Rome against Attila the Hun, and Pope Leo XIII, who shaped modern Catholic social thought.