When Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, he made history not only as the first American pope, but also by choosing a name not used in over a century: Pope Leo XIV. For many, this choice was unexpected. The last pope to bear the name Leo, Pope Leo XIII, died in 1903. His legacy is rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition, social justice, and dialogue with the modern world—an era far removed from today’s vastly more complex global stage. So why would a 21st-century American pope resurrect the name “Leo”?

The answer lies in a thoughtful blend of history, symbolism, and message—one that reflects both the man and the moment.

A Name Rich in Legacy

The name “Leo” has a distinguished papal history. Thirteen popes before have taken the name, most notably Leo I, also known as Saint Leo the Great, who served as pope in the fifth century. Leo I is remembered for defending the Church’s doctrine during turbulent theological debates and for his role in confronting Attila the Hun, persuading him to turn back from invading Rome. His leadership in the face of existential threats earned him a place as one of the most heroic and formative figures in early Church history.

Fast forward to the 19th century, Pope Leo XIII brought the name back into prominence. Known for his intellectual depth, Leo XIII championed engagement with modern thought, especially through his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the rights of workers and the moral responsibilities of both capital and labor. He was the first pope to fully embrace the Church’s role in modern society—not in opposition to it, but in thoughtful dialogue with it. This encyclical became the foundation of modern Catholic social teaching.

Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name signals a clear desire to draw from these legacies—both the firm, courageous leadership of Leo the Great and the socially conscious, intellectual openness of Leo XIII.

Symbolism Over Sentiment

Names in the Catholic tradition are not chosen lightly. Each new pope, upon his election, selects a name that reflects how he envisions his papacy. In choosing “Leo,” the first American pope is making a deliberate and symbolic statement. He is not choosing a name out of nostalgia or sentiment but out of a desire to communicate continuity with a tradition that balances moral authority with compassion, and strength with understanding.

By calling himself Leo XIV, the new pope evokes images of firm guidance during times of crisis, as well as a pastoral leader who is deeply aware of modern social realities. In an era marked by political division, migration crises, climate change, and religious disaffiliation in many parts of the Western world, Pope Leo XIV appears to be positioning himself as a bridge—between tradition and progress, between doctrine and dialogue.

An American Touch on a Universal Role

Though the papacy is a global office, the fact that Pope Leo XIV hails from the United States naturally brings a unique perspective. The American Catholic experience is shaped by diversity, democratic engagement, and challenges of pluralism. Cardinal Prevost’s pastoral work in Latin America, along with his academic background and service in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, gave him a broad global view, yet deeply rooted in human experience.

The choice of “Leo” suggests that he understands the delicate balance between firmness of faith and openness to change. Just as Leo XIII saw the value in engaging the new world of industrialization and workers’ rights, Leo XIV may see today’s new frontiers—artificial intelligence, secularism, ecological degradation, and global inequality—as the battlegrounds of his own era.

A Papacy with Intent

Already, Vatican watchers are reading Pope Leo XIV’s name as a declaration of intent. Some suggest that he may focus heavily on reinvigorating Catholic social teaching, particularly in addressing the rights of the marginalized and the poor. Others expect him to tackle internal Church reform, perhaps inspired by Leo XIII’s diplomatic style and efforts to modernize the Church’s voice in international affairs.

Moreover, by aligning himself with a name associated with strength and wisdom, Leo XIV may be subtly addressing the crises of authority that the Catholic Church has faced in recent decades. Scandals, declining vocations, and cultural alienation have challenged the Church’s influence. A name like Leo may help reclaim a sense of credibility and grounded leadership.

Conclusion: A Message in a Name

In choosing the name Leo XIV, the first American pope has done more than simply revive an old papal title. He has drawn a line connecting the past and the present, signaling a desire to lead the Church with courage, intellect, and compassion. It is a name that carries with it the weight of history—but also the promise of relevance. In a world looking for moral clarity and hopeful leadership, Pope Leo XIV’s name is both a reflection of where the Church has been and a compass pointing to where it might be headed next.