Whenever a new pope is elected, one of the first traditions he observes is selecting a new papal name — a practice rich in symbolism and history within the Catholic Church.
This centuries-old custom gives the incoming pontiff a chance to adopt a name that mirrors his vision, reflects the legacy of past saints or popes, or signals the priorities he hopes to champion during his time in office.
Historically, popes once retained their birth names for more than 500 years, but over time, the tradition shifted. Popes began choosing symbolic names, often in honor of saints or former pontiffs whose values and missions they admired. By selecting a name tied to a particular figure in Church history, a new pope signals a desire to uphold certain principles or advance specific causes.
Take Pope Francis, for example. His name was chosen in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, famed for his humility and care for the poor. The name also held personal meaning, as it was inspired by Pope Francis’ close Brazilian friend, Cardinal Claudio Hummes.
Why Did the New Pontiff Choose the Name Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost and now the first American to ascend to the papacy, has yet to disclose the exact reason behind his choice. However, the name “Leo” carries a strong historical weight in Catholic tradition.
Theologian Dennis Doyle, professor emeritus of religious studies at the University of Dayton, explained, “The first thing you look for is which pope has used that name before? That will signify something about the direction the new pope wants to take.”
Similarly, Rev. Fr. Ben Onyemechalu of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja told BBC News Pidgin that adopting a new name often signals a fresh spiritual mission. “They often choose names to honour a particular saint of interest or a past pope whose legacy they wish to follow,” he noted.
In this case, the selection of Leo XIV could be seen as a nod to Pope Leo XIII, who is remembered for his commitment to social issues and advocacy for peace — a legacy that still resonates within the Church today.
The Deep Symbolism Behind the Name ‘Leo’
Throughout Church history, the name “Leo” has been synonymous with leadership, peace, and a focus on social responsibility. Thirteen popes have carried the name before, with one of the most famous being Pope Leo I — also known as St. Leo the Great. He served as pontiff from 440 to 461 AD and was renowned for his role in safeguarding Rome, famously persuading Attila the Hun to abandon his invasion plans in 452 AD. Legend holds that Saints Peter and Paul appeared beside Leo during this decisive meeting.
Centuries later, Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903, left his own significant mark by championing social justice and workers’ rights. His landmark encyclical, Rerum Novarum, addressed the conditions of laborers and advocated for their dignity and welfare, setting a precedent for modern Catholic social teaching.
Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan University, emphasized that the name Leo reflects a deep concern for societal issues and justice.
What Could the Name Leo XIV Suggest for the Church’s Future?
By choosing the name Leo XIV, Pope Robert Prevost seems to be signaling a continuation of this long-standing focus on justice and compassion for the marginalized. The new pope’s background reinforces this interpretation — his missionary work in Peru and his dedication to uplifting disadvantaged communities mirror the values often associated with the name Leo.
As the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is expected to confront global challenges through a compassionate, socially conscious lens. His leadership may prioritize addressing inequality, promoting peace, and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard.
What Lies Ahead for Pope Leo XIV
With Pope Leo XIV now at the helm of the Catholic Church, his papacy comes at a time of significant social, political, and religious challenges. His decision to honor the legacy of Pope Leo XIII suggests a strong commitment to social justice, peace, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
As he begins his leadership of the Church’s 1.4 billion members worldwide, many will be watching closely to see how Pope Leo XIV responds to the pressing issues of the modern world while preserving the sacred traditions and mission of the Catholic faith.
