The Catholic Church welcomes Pope Leo XIV, elected as the 267th pope and the new Bishop of Rome. As the Vicar of Christ, Pope Leo XIV steps into a sacred role rooted in over 2,000 years of apostolic succession.
Pope Leo XIV's choice of the name "Leo" carries significant historical and symbolic meaning within the Catholic Church. By selecting this name, he aligns himself with a lineage of popes known for their strength and leadership during pivotal moments in Church history.
The name "Leo" has been used by 13 previous popes, most notably Pope Leo I, also known as Leo the Great, who served from 440 to 461 AD. Pope Leo I is renowned for his theological contributions and for persuading Attila the Hun to turn back from his invasion of Italy, symbolizing courage and diplomatic skill. Another significant bearer of the name was Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), who addressed the challenges of modernity and social justice through his encyclical Rerum Novarum, laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
By adopting the name Leo XIV, the new pope signals a commitment to guiding the Catholic Church through contemporary challenges with wisdom and fortitude, drawing inspiration from his predecessors' legacies. This choice suggests an emphasis on strong leadership and a dedication to addressing the needs of the faithful in today's complex world.