The significance of the new pope's given name is discussed.
The new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Going by the moniker Pope Leo XIV, served up some intriguing possibilities about his style of leadership. The announcement echoed through the air as he was introduced from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, following the Latin declaration "Habemus Papam" - "We have a pope."
Historically, papal names have often acted as a statement of intent, with popes frequently drawing inspiration from their predecessors.
"At the deepest recesses of their mind, when they start the conclave, everyone will walk in there with a name in their head," explained Natalia Imperatori-Lee, Chair of Religious Studies at Manhattan University.
One such name that resonates with notions of strength and courage is Leo. Stemming from Prevost's predecessors and its association with lions, this name carries potent connotations.
Of the 14 popes who have donned the mantle of Leo, one of the most influential was Pope Leo the Great, who led the Church from 440-461. Known for challenging Attila the Hun and sparing Rome, this Leo was a staunch fighter who forever left his imprint on the Church's history.
Pope Leo XIII, from the 19th century, bears another notable mention. A progressive pontiff, he constructed the foundations for modern Catholic social thought, and softening the Church's stance on science and politics—a crusade for workers' rights during his tenure from 1878 to 1903.
Choosing Leo as his papal name, Pope Leo XIV may be intent onechoing Francis' progressive stance and facing the challenges the Church currently faces, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as the shifting faith's landscape globally.
Other names would have signified different directions:
- John has been the most prevalent choice among past popes and even Francis. Linked to St. John the Apostle, an author of one of the Gospels, or St. John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, this name would have evoked the "good pope," Pope John XXIII.
- If Pope Leo XIV had chosen the name Francis II, this could have alluded to the continuity of Francis' legacy as pope, symbolizing a more progressive and modern approach.
- Stimulating memories of the humble and peaceful St. Francis of Assisi, Francis I emphasized reforms throughout his 12-year tenure. By naming himself Francis, he set the stage for a modern, progressive, and inclusive Church.
- The name Paul, taken by six previous popes, could have drawn inspiration from St. Paul the Apostle, who spread the teachings of Jesus in the 1st century. The name could have honored Pope Paul VI, who held a more cautious position and carefully consolidated the Church during his tenure from 1963 to 1978.
Other names might have suggested continuity with the past or a more traditionalist approach, such as the popular 20th-century name Pius, which could have implied a conservative take on leadership. However, these were not the path Pope Leo XIV chose.
In theurenriched context, Pope Leo XIV's selection of the name Leo imbues his leadership with connotations of strength, resilience, and spiritual authority. It might suggest a style that is forceful, socially conscious, and pastoral, potentially focusing on social justice issues and an approach to conflict resolution that bridges gaps within the Church, engages with the world, and delivers timely solutions for the modern arena.
- The choice of papal name, Leo, by Pope Leo XIV, may indicate his intention to emulate the strength and courage demonstrated by his predecessors, such as Pope Leo the Great, who led during times of conflict, or Pope Leo XIII, who championed progressive social thought.
- By opting for the name Leo, Pope Leo XIV might be signaling a leadership style that encompasses forcefulness, social consciousness, and pastoral care, potentially focusing on addressing social justice issues, engaging with the world, and offering timely solutions for contemporary challenges, including ongoing conflicts and the shifting global landscape of faith.
