Pope Leo XIV’s Name and the Tradition Behind It: What You Need to Know
After the announcement of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as the new pope on 8 May, the world has been curious about his choice of papal name and the backstory behind his predecessor, Pope Francis’.
The election took place swiftly, with white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney just under two days after the papal conclave began, signaling the decision had been made. Cardinal Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV, will lead the Catholic Church into a new era.
But what’s in a name, and why did this new pope select “Leo”? Let’s take a closer look.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy. Known for his moderate stance on contemporary Catholic issues, he shares much of Pope Francis’ commitment to social justice, especially in areas concerning the poor and migrants. In fact, Pope Leo has previously spoken out against policies under former President Donald Trump, condemning the separation of children from their families at the U.S. border, stating:
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name, and the shame is on us all.”
Having been ordained at 27, Pope Leo has spent significant time outside the U.S., including a period as a missionary in Peru. He became a cardinal only in 2023 and has maintained a low profile, once telling the Vatican’s official news outlet: “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.”
Why Did Pope Leo Choose the Name “Leo”?
The selection of a papal name is a deeply symbolic act, with each pope choosing a new name to mark their new role as the leader of the Catholic Church. It is not required, but it is a centuries-old tradition. In fact, of the 267 popes in history, 129 have chosen a new name.
Pope Leo XIV has chosen the name “Leo,” which is the fifth most common name in papal history. The last pope to use this name was Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903 and was known for his advocacy of Catholic social justice. This could suggest that Pope Leo XIV is positioning himself as a strong, principled leader, possibly in response to ongoing global challenges.
The choice also aligns with a long-standing tradition where new popes either honor a predecessor or pick a name that signifies their intended direction for the Church.
The Name “Francis” and Its Significance
Meanwhile, the announcement of Pope Leo XIV also led many to reflect on the real name of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis’ birth name surprised many who had assumed his papal name was his given one.
The selection of “Francis” was highly unusual, as it had never been used before by a pope. It is widely believed that Pope Francis chose this name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his commitment to poverty, peace, and care for the environment.
Many were caught off guard by the realization that popes typically adopt a new name upon their election. As one Twitter user put it, “Just learned that Pope Francis’ real name was Jorge and that makes me like him even more.” Others remarked that they had no idea that the papal names weren’t the same as the pontiff’s birth names.
In the case of Pope Leo XIV, his choice to take on the name Leo follows a pattern of choosing historically significant names, and with it, he steps into a leadership role filled with great expectations.
