The real reason America’s first pope took the name Pope Leo XIV — and what it means

When Cardinal Robert Prevost stepped onto the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica yesterday (May 8), the world met Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever elected to lead the Catholic Church.

Born in Chicago and with years of service in Latin America and Rome, Pope Leo brings both experience and a fresh perspective. But it’s the name he chose, Leo, that has many people talking.

So, what’s the reason Pope Leo XIV chose that name?

Well, he’s not the first to do it. In fact, there have been 13 Popes named Leo before him. But one in particular stands out: Pope Leo XIII. As reported by ABC News, he led the Church from 1878 to 1903 and was known for being both wise and compassionate.

More than that, he was famous for standing up for everyday people. His most well-known writing, Rerum Novarum, laid the foundation for the Church’s modern social teaching. It focused on the dignity of workers, fair treatment, and the idea that people are more than just their labour. That was a pretty big deal at the time, and still is.

The new pontiff chose Leo as his papal name, a homage to the last pope to adopt that name. Leo XIII was a progressive by the standards of his times. But the new Pope Leo is no radical https://t.co/IwxBQlg6xC

— The Economist (@TheEconomist) May 8, 2025

So by choosing Leo, Pope Robert Prevost likely isn’t just honouring a name he liked. He’s pointing to a leader who cared deeply about justice, human dignity, and the real lives of ordinary people.

It’s a quiet signal about his priorities

Now, popes don’t have to change their names, but nearly every one does. And the name they pick often gives a subtle clue about what kind of leadership they hope to bring.

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The new pope is revealed as Robert Prevost of the US, the first American pontiff in history. He’ll be known as Pope Leo XIV. https://t.co/8E04SUErJj pic.twitter.com/cPlSBxFwpa

— CNN (@CNN) May 8, 2025

In this case, Leo suggests a few things: Strength, thoughtfulness, and care for others. Speaking to ABC News, Father Vito Crincoli, have even said Leo XIII was a pope who loved his people, and that might be the kind of legacy Pope Leo XIV wants to continue. It’s not flashy or dramatic, but it’s meaningful.

It’s not just about the past but also a hint at the future

Finally, while the name Leo reaches back into Church history, it also says something about where Pope Leo XIV may want to go. By linking himself to a pope known for balancing tradition with progress, he might be hinting at a similar path, respecting the past while engaging with the real issues people face today.

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Featured image credit: James Veysey/Shutterstock