What’s in a Name? Reflections on Pope Leo XIV
from Fr. Marc-André
When a new pope is elected, one of the most symbolic decisions he makes is the choice of his papal name. It’s not just a matter of tradition or personal preference; it’s a declaration of how he understands his mission and the kind of shepherd he hopes to be. And so, when Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Successor of Peter and chose the name Leo XIV, he gave the Church a rich sign to ponder.
The name “Leo” carries great weight in the history of the Church. Perhaps the most well-known bearer is St. Leo the Great, pope from 440 to 461, who defended the Church’s teaching on Christ’s divinity and humanity during a time of great doctrinal confusion. He famously persuaded Attila the Hun to spare the city of Rome—an act that has come to symbolize the spiritual authority of the papacy in the face of temporal power. Another touchstone is Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), whose encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. He led the Church into the modern world with clarity, defending the rights of workers, the dignity of the family, and the proper role of the state. Leo XIII believed deeply in engaging with the world’s challenges—not by diluting the faith, but by bringing its timeless truth to bear on new circumstances.
By choosing the name Leo, our new Holy Father may be signalling his desire to stand firm in faith while reaching out in charity. His personal history reflects both doctrinal steadiness and pastoral warmth. In time, the Holy Father will likely share with us the reasons that inspired his choice of name. Until then, we are left to reflect, pray, and support him with our affection and fidelity. Let us not forget: the pope is more than the leader of the Church—he is Peter among us. He bears the weight of the keys, the burdens of unity, and the call to confirm his brothers in the faith. As a parish, let us join in heartfelt prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking the Lord to strengthen him with wisdom, courage, and holiness. May he, like his namesakes, guide the Church with clarity, compassion, and apostolic zeal.
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