What does Pope Leo XIV’s name tell us about him?

Pope Leo XIV's name says a lot about the new pontiff's character and what he will prioritise in his papacy. 

May 9, 2025 - 15:00
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What does Pope Leo XIV’s name tell us about him?

Pope Leo XIV’s name was introduced on 8 May when he was announced as the new head of the Catholic Church. The pontiff was born Robert Prevost but, on assuming the papacy, he selected a new name. 

Why do popes choose different names?

For centuries, it’s been a tradition for a new pope to assume a different name once he is appointed. The practice began in 533 when Pope John II abandoned his given name Mercurius. This was likely to distance himself from the pagan Roman god, Mercury.

Popes generally choose names to showcase what they stand for and what their papacy will emphasise. The late Pope Francis, the first to take the name, chose it to symbolise his commitment to peace and to the poor.

Although he is the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV’s name is full of tradition.

What does Pope Leo XIV’s name mean?

Leo is also the fourth most popular name in the history of the papacy. The new pope is the 14th to choose the name.

The name Leo is the Latin word for “lion”. This typically suggests strength and bravery. 

At least one Pope Leo certainly won fame for his courage. Leo the Great reportedly stopped Attila the Hun’s invasion of Rome in the 5th century by travelling to meet the fearsome leader and negotiating a peace.

A pope for the workers?

The last pope with the moniker was Leo XIII, who headed the Catholic Church between 1878 and 1903. His 25-year papacy is the third longest in the history of the Vatican.

Leo XIII was a noted reformer of the Church. In 1891, he wrote “Of Revolutionary Change”. This pamphlet reflected on the negative impact of the Industrial Revolution on society.

It seems concern for workers is a passion of the new pontiff. In a statement, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Pope Leo XIV’s name was a conscious choice:

“It is clearly a reference to the lives of men and women, to their work – even in an age marked by artificial intelligence.”

What do you think about Pope Leo XIV’s name?

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