08-05-2025
What the name Leo likely says about the pope's mission for his papacy and the Catholic Church
When the new pope took the name Leo XIV, it offered the first clue about his vision for his papacy.
First, it seems to indicate someone who wants to carry on the legacy his predecessor, Pope Francis. Second, and more broadly, the name connotes someone who is strong, particularly in a time of crisis.
When Pope Francis selected his name, it was to honor Saint Francis of Assisi, 'the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation,' he told journalists in 2013.
Here's a first look at the new pope's name.
The last Pope to select Leo was Pope Leo XIII, who held papacy from 1878 to 1903 and had 'liberalistic and conciliatory' views, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia.
Born in 1810 in Italy with the name Gioacchino Pecci, his papacy has been remembered for his push to modernize the Catholic Church and further workers' rights. In 1891, he authored the encyclical 'Rerum novarum,' where he argued for safer working conditions, fair wages, the formation of trade unions, while also defending the right to hold private property.
'Some opportune remedy must be found quickly for the misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class,' Leo XIII wrote.
He had the fourth-longest reign of any pope.
Although not all adhered to the practice, many popes in early centuries selected a new name because their name was of pagan origin. Out of the 267 popes in history, 129 — less than half — have picked a new name, according to Vatican News.
Popes can pick the name of a predecessor or saint 'out of respect, administration or recognition,' Vatican News said. The most common name has been John, first picked in 523. Other commonly used names include Gregory, Benedict and Pius.
Picking Leo would tend to indicate a continuation of the overall approach of his predecessor, who was known for his concern for the marginalized.
In his address May 8, the new pope referenced Francis several times. He also referenced being a synodal church, which means a church that focuses on listening, learning from each other, inviting participation. Rather than getting bogged down in politics, it is a church that emphasizes communion, participation and mission.
"To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks together, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close especially to those who suffer," the pope said.
The church under Pope Francis recently completed a Synod on Synodality, so Leo's use of the word likely indicates his desire to continue that work.
The name Leo means 'lion' in Latin, signaling bravery and strength.
In the Catholic legacy, it also calls back to the first Pope Leo, or 'Leo the Great,' according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. In 452 AD, Leo met personally with Atilla the Hun and persuaded him against invading and destroying the Roman Empire.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Pope Leo XIV: why do popes change their names?
