What’s in a name? Pope Leo XIV’s choice signals commitment to social justice
Before his appointment as the new pontiff, Cardinal Robert Prevost was a fierce critic of Trump’s deportations and anti-immigrant policy
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Robert Prevost chosen as new pope, first US pontiff in history of Catholic Church
American Robert Francis Prevost’s decision to choose Leo XIV as his papal name hints at the “social” brand he intends to give his pontificate, according to experts.
Once elected, a pope has only a short time to pick an official name before being ushered onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and presented to the world.
“I think a lot of us had a question mark when they elected an American, and then he selected the name Pope Leo XIV,” said Natalia Imperatori-Lee, the chair of religious studies at Manhattan University. “It really means to me he will continue the work of Leo XIII.”
Leo XIII, who was pope between 1879 and 1903 – was a determined defender of the rights of workers. He is best known for having denounced “the concentration in the hands of a few of industry and commerce … a small number of opulent men and plutocrats, who thus impose an almost servile yoke on the infinite multitude of proletarians”.
The name “is a deep sign of commitment to social issues,” Imperatori-Lee said. “I think this [new] pope is saying something about social justice, by choosing this name, that it is going to be a priority. He is continuing a lot of Francis’ ministry.”
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists on Thursday that Prevost’s choice of papal name was “a clear reference to the social doctrine of the Church”.