What's In A Name Leo?
Rather a lot, actually
At my workplace, I’m the guy they ask about the new pope.
I’m Catholic, and everyone knows it. They even know that I am a Lay Dominican, though they don’t truly understand what that means. Sadly, it means I may not understand it either since I have a hard time helping them understand. Many think I’m a deacon. I’m not, and I’m not going to be a priest either as I am married, and one vocation and sacrament of service at a time, thank you.
Back to Pope Leo XIV. Even the nominally Catholics ask me what I think. My true and actual answer is unsatisfying. “I don’t have any opinion yet.” “Yeah, but, what do you think?”
In an effort to throw them a bone, I decided to think through the name he selected. And while we’re at it, we’ll look at the last few popes and see what we shall see.
My favorite pope of recent years is Pope Benedict the XVI. I like to moderately scandalize people by referring to him as Pope Benny Hill the XVI. But what that actually does is open the door for me to gush about him. I personally believe he will be recognized as a Doctor of the Church sometime in the future.
What I liked about him the most was his humility coupled with the scalpel precision of his theology. And, he had reasons for his name.
There have been 16 Popes (and one Antipope) named Benedict, making it one of the most frequently used papal names. Some history of the name and some notable popes:
St. Benedict of Nursia (480–547)
Not a pope, but the inspiration for the name.
Father of Western Monasticism.
Founded the Benedictine Order and wrote the Rule of St. Benedict, emphasizing prayer, work, and community.
Pope Benedict XV (r. 1914–1922)
Pope during World War I.
Advocated for peace and reconciliation amid a time of nationalist fervor and slaughter.
Emphasized humanitarian relief, diplomacy, and rebuilding the Church's moral credibility post-war.
Though largely ignored during his time, he was later recognized as prophetic in his efforts.
Others
Benedict XIV (r. 1740–1758): Scholarly pope, promoted science and historical criticism of sacred texts. Highly respected theologian and reformer.
Earlier Benedicts (esp. medieval ones) were often tied to turbulent times, anti-popes, or the Cluniac reforms.
When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, he offered some insight into his choice:
“In taking this name, I wish to associate myself with Benedict XV, a true prophet of peace, and with St. Benedict of Nursia, co-patron of Europe, whose life evokes the Christian roots of Europe and the importance of prayer and order in building civilization.”
Pope Benedict XVI chose his name to signal a commitment to peace, monastic discipline, intellectual rigor, and cultural renewal; a deliberate counter to the secular drift of modern Europe.
Four others to quickly discuss before I get into Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. Don’t worry, it will be quick.
Pope John Paul II was elected Pope directly after Pope John Paul’s reign. Pope John Paul was the first dual-named pope. Of course he didn’t have a number, he was just Pope John Paul. He was pope for 33 days, the shortest by far in the modern age.
He specifically chose his name for the two Popes associated with Vatican II: Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI. He was deliberately signaling the continuation of Vatican II principles. His sudden death brought in Pope John Paul II and his name choice was a deliberate message that he would continue the path that his predecessor had intended to follow.
Which he did for the next 26 years.
You will notice that Pope Francis was, like Pope John Paul, the first with that name. We don’t know if we will have a Pope Francis II, though many have wondered if Pope Leo would be Pope Francis 2.0. There was a method and reason to Pope Francis’ name selection as well.
In his first press conference, Pope Francis said that during the conclave, Cardinal Cláudio Hummes told him, as votes piled up:
“Don’t forget the poor.”
That moment, he said, brought to mind St. Francis of Assisi, the saint most associated with poverty, humility, and peace.
St. Francis was a reformer within the Church who was radically obedient to the Church even while critical of the wealth and corruption. The choice of Francis of Assisi evoked, intentionally or not:
Radical simplicity
Solidarity with the poor
A challenge to materialism, especially inside the Church
A desire for peace-building, especially in a divided world and Church
He did not pick a traditional name, or a name that indicated solidarity with Vatican II. It became clear over his papacy that he chose a pastoral over doctrinal focus. He rejected the finery of the position, allying himself with the marginalized. Consequently, many many non-Catholics and even atheists admired him and his papacy, even while many devout Catholics were confused over his vague messaging.
Which brings us finally to Pope Leo XIV. Why did he pick Leo?
Cardinal Robert Prevost has explicitly stated that he chose his papal name to honor Pope Leo XIII, particularly for his groundbreaking 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching on labor rights and justice.
But first, some tidbits about Pope Leo I. He is known as Pope Leo The Great. He defended orthodox doctrine and negotiated with Attila the Hun, symbolizing strength and doctrinal clarity. Let’s look briefly at the known facts regarding the meeting with Atilla the Hun.
Attila had invaded northern Italy and was marching toward Rome. Emperor Valentinian III was weak and the Roman army largely useless. Pope Leo, who was not a general, but a bishop, went out to meet Attila near the River Mincio, north of Rome.
He was joined by two high-ranking Roman officials, but Leo was the moral and spiritual authority of the delegation. After the meeting, Attila turned back. There was no battle, no siege, no bloodshed.
This is historical fact. Even secular sources (like Prosper of Aquitaine and Priscus) confirm the outcome. What’s unknown is why Attila left. There are of course pious legends involving the appearance of Sts. Peter and Paul appearing with Pope Leo, and Atilla thinking better of it. But the simple fact remains, Pope Leo went out to meet him, and the result was Attila left.
So, potent papal name, no?
Pope Leo XIII wrote, as mentioned, Rerum Novarum. You can read it here. It is worth reading. He also wrote what is known as the St. Michael Prayer. The link is to the original longer version.
And, important to me as I identify as a Thomist, Leo wrote an encyclical in 1879 titled Aeterni Patris (Of The Eternal Father) subtitled On the Restoration of Christian Philosophy.
Leo XIII wrote:
“Among the Scholastic Doctors, the chief and master of all is Thomas Aquinas... the doctrines of such a man are a safe guide and strong bulwark for the defense of the faith.”
Which takes me now to my thoughts about Leo XIV, and it’s short. I still don’t have any opinions, but I have hopes.
And my hope is that he follows in the footsteps of his namesake popes, and combines the clarity of Benedict XVI with the care and concern for the marginalized of Francis. I’ll close with the short version of the St. Michael Prayer - which I offer for Pope Leo’s papacy and the whole world:
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.Amen.
