In a moment that millions of Catholics around the world had been anticipating, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel today, marking the election of a new pope: Leo XIV. But beyond the excitement of the announcement lies a deeper symbolism in the name he has chosen.
After just a single day of deliberations, the College of Cardinals reached a consensus, electing 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago as the 267th pope and successor to Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV brings with him a deep commitment to social justice, echoing many of the values held by his predecessor. He is especially devoted to advocating for the poor and migrants. Those who know him personally, like Jesus Leon Angeles—who has worked with him for eight years—describe him as humble and eager to serve others.
Ordained at 27, Pope Leo spent much of his life abroad, including years as a missionary in Peru. Despite being elevated to the rank of cardinal only in 2023, he remained largely under the radar. He once remarked to Vatican News, “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom,” highlighting his down-to-earth approach.
With the announcement of his papal name—Leo XIV—many have begun to consider its potential meaning. While it’s not a formal requirement for a newly elected pope to adopt a different name, it has become a strong tradition over the past 500 years.
The Vatican explains that this new name symbolizes a spiritual rebirth, with historical roots in early Christianity when many church leaders changed names to distance themselves from pagan origins. Of the 267 popes throughout history, 129 have chosen to take on new names upon their appointment.
The name “Leo” is steeped in tradition—it is the fifth most popular papal name. Experts suggest that Pope Leo XIV’s choice may be a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, a prominent figure known for shaping Catholic social teaching in the late 19th century. His name could signal a desire for principled leadership in challenging times.
Leo XIII served from 1878 until 1903, making this the first time in over a century that a pope has chosen to revive the name.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina—broke new ground by selecting a name never before used. He named himself after St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing values of humility, peace, and care for the environment.
Over the centuries, certain names have been favored by multiple popes. The most frequently chosen include:
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John: 23 times
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Benedict: 16 times
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Gregory: 16 times
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Clement: 14 times
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Leo: 14 times
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Innocent: 13 times
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Pius: 12 times
With the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church embarks on a new chapter—one that may be defined by humility, compassion, and continuity with the social mission of his predecessors.
