More than simply choosing a name, the new Pope established the tone for his papacy when he emerged onto the balcony and declared his name to be Leo. The name immediately evoked visions of power, symbolism, and history. It looked forward to a new destination and back to glory. So why did he choose Leo, then? And why now, too?
Pope Leo
The name Leo holds a significant place in papal history. Two of the thirteen popes who have borne the name Leo—Leo I and Leo XIII—are forceful figures in Church history. Their legacies and the historical context in which they served provide a rich backdrop for understanding the new Pope’s choice of name.
The following Pope intentionally re-creates a connection with a legacy of power, clarity, and transformation by resuming the use of this name after it had been dormant for over a century. He energises the name instead of merely appreciating it. He declares immediately that this papacy will exercise conviction and historical wisdom instead of being silent or timid.
The Leo Spirit
The ‘Leo Spirit’ encompasses the core principles of Catholic power, as shaped by Leo the Great, traditionally known as Pope Leo I (440–461). He defended orthodoxy, promoted the supremacy of the Roman See, and preserved Rome itself. Most significantly, in 452, he personally confronted Attila the Hun and persuaded him to abandon the sack of the Eternal City. Leo simply employed his voice, his presence, and his moral authority—no swords, no troops. This spirit of moral strength and courage in the face of adversity is what the new Pope seeks to embody by choosing the name Leo.
The new Pope, Popechoosing the name Leo, is guided by the tradition of Leo the Great. He is showing moral strength in the face of world strife, whether in conflict among the Church, war, or moral confusion. He presents himself as a warrior pastor ready to engage danger head-on with intelligence and resolve, as opposed to a passive administrator. This connection to Leo the Great serves as a guiding light for the new Pope’s papacy.
Integrity
Another theologian whose influence was significant was Leo the Great. In a Christological epistle to the Council of Chalcedon, his “Tome of Leo” shaped Church doctrine for centuries. It was officially ratified by the Pope, solidifying the belief that Christ was entirely human and absolutely divine.
The current Pope’s invocation of Leo Pope sends a message: he is unwavering in his commitment to uphold orthodoxy while dealing with contemporary issues. This Pope anchors himself in doctrinal simplicity in an era of doubt about Church doctrines regarding marriage, sexuality, authority, and identity.
Vision of Leo XIII
Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), the other great Leo of Church history, wrote to a world that was in transition. The Industrial Revolution reshaped societies. Workers suffered. Capitalism was permitted to bloom. Unrest was fomented by socialism. Leo XIII responded with dialogue and not isolation. His encyclical Rerum Novarum launched Catholic social doctrine. He spoke up for the dignity of labour, covered economic justice, and defended workers’ rights.
The new Pope also identifies with this aim by christening himself Leo. He acknowledges the widening gap between the poor and the rich, the suffering of the working class in the present day, and the spiritual cost that materialism exacts. He intends to follow Leo XIII’s approach of criticising the status quo and transforming it into a hopeful social reality.
A symbol
The Latin origin of the name Leo is “lion,” and the symbolism is highly deliberate. Lions symbolise courage, strength, royalty, and spiritual vigilance. The announcement of the gospel and St. Mark are also symbolised by the lion in Christian tradition.
The roar of the lion is designed to announce, not to annihilate. It leads with stature, not racket. Pope Leo exerts moral authority using this symbol. He calls for the Poperch to speak once again—unequivocally, courageously, and hopefully—rather than to whisper.
The Pope utilises history as a device for the future and not as a mere repeat when he becomes Pope Leo. He holds the conviction that the Church can’t dilute its message and flee from tension. He takes upon himself the role of a guardian of truth, justice, and belief in addition to being a shepherd.
