Off The Record
America’s First Pope Explains Why He Chose The Name Leo XIV
The head of the Catholic church needed a new leader after Pope Francis passed away, and his successor was named just two days before the vote.
The news that American Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected as the 267th pope accompanied the white smoke that erupted from the Sistine Chapel on May 8.
He was the first American pope in history, having been born in Chicago.
Naturally, Donald Trump responded to the news by calling it a “great honour” for the United States.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.”
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
It’s interesting that Prevost decided on Pope Leo XIV, a name with strong Catholic connotations.
What is the meaning behind Pope Leo’s name?
He has associated himself with a tradition of doctrinal clarity and strong leadership by selecting the name.
Popes are not required to change their names when they assume office, but for the past 470 years, all of them have done so, frequently using a predecessor’s name to pay tribute to them and express their intention to emulate them.
Leo XIII, an Italian born Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci, was the last pope to hold that title. He was well-known for his social teachings and intellectual accomplishments during his 1878–1903 tenure.
The Holy See’s director also discussed the meaning of the name’s selection with reporters.
He clarified that the encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which translates to “Of New Things,” is credited to Pope Leo XIII and is “regarded as the foundation for the modern social doctrine of the Church.”
Father Vito Crincoli spoke to ABC News and added, “Looking to the history, Leos were strong popes.”
“Like Leo XIII, he loved his people. He loved his people. His people, he considered man not a machine. A man’s work was a reflection of his dignity.”
“We don’t know this yet, but it’d be really interesting to know why he took the name Leo.”
Prior to this, Pope Leo was the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013 and the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023.
His first remarks as pope were, “May peace be with all of you,” spoken to the assembly at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Speaking of his predecessor, Pope Francis, he added, “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up that blessing.”
“Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.”
“That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”
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