Pope Leo XIV: A Symbol of Continuity and Change in the Catholic Church

The recent election of Pope Leo XIV has sparked discussions about the pivotal role of his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, in bridging the past and present of the Roman Catholic Church.

In a significant moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, a name laden with historical references to Pope Leo XIII, who served between 1878 and 1903. His papacy is remembered for navigating the church through challenging times while advocating for social justice, particularly through his encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which championed workers' rights and living wages.

Matteo Bruni, a Vatican spokesperson, emphasized that the choice of the name seeks to evoke Leo XIII’s legacy as a progressive figure, indicating a deliberate intent to recall the bridging of traditional Catholic values with contemporary socio-economic issues. David I. Kertzer, a professor at Brown University, noted that Leo XIII's efforts to reconcile the church with the working class and the industrial era represented a significant transition for the church, marking him as a figure between the pre-modern and modern ecclesiastical worlds.

While Pope Leo XIII was characterized as a conservative leader, his commitment to addressing the concerns of the impoverished and the working class showcased an empathetic approach during industrial upheaval. Robert Orsi, a religious studies professor, posited that Pope Leo XIV’s choice reflects an intention to similarly address modern-day challenges with authority and compassion echoing those of his predecessor.

As the newly elected pope steps into his role, it remains to be seen how the name Leo XIV will guide his engagement with the pressing issues of our time, shaping the future discourse of the Church in an era of rapid change.