The selection of Robert Francis Prevost by Americans, who has chosen the name Leo XIV after his election as the new pope, indicates his intention to instill a “social dimension” to his papacy, according to experts. Moreover, this choice may also reflect a subtle critique of Donald Trump as reported by Italian media.
Following his election, the new pope did not have much time to decide on his name before he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the crowd gathered in the square. Typically, the chosen name signifies admiration for a previous pope or a commitment to continuity, or alternatively, a complete break from tradition.
Vatican specialist John Allen emphasizes in his book on the conclave that this choice is often “the first signal sent by the new pope regarding the approach he intends to adopt during his papacy,” indicating whether he will lean towards conservatism or progressivism.
Several Italian newspapers on Friday delved into one of his notable predecessors, Leo I, celebrated for persuading the formidable Attila the Hun and his forces to retreat during a meeting in Mantua, Northern Italy, in 452.
Some journalists draw parallels between Attila and Donald Trump, suggesting that Pope Leo XIV will be the one capable of managing the unpredictable actions of the American president.
However, many observers believe that the name was chosen particularly in homage to Leo XIII, the last pope to have that name.
This Italian pope, whose papacy spanned from 1878 to 1903, is particularly remembered for condemning in a papal encyclical the concentration of industry and commerce in the hands of a few, which he argued imposed a near-slavery situation on many workers.
François Mabie, director of the Geopolitical Observatory on Religion and author of the book “The Vatican: The Papacy in a Troubled World,” states that Leo XIII can be seen as a “pope of social teaching,” notably through his papal encyclical of 1891, which can be titled “The Great Updates,” bearing a clear social imprint.
He adds that during that period in 1891, the focus was on social justice and labor issues.
Mabie believes the new pope, through this name selection, implies that “these issues will re-emerge against the backdrop of the distortions of globalization and also in light of greater social challenges such as artificial intelligence.”
This social aspect can be interpreted as a tribute to his predecessor Francis, who surprised everyone by being the first pope to choose the name Francis, in honor of the 13th-century saint who defended the poor, while betting offices anticipated the choice of the name… Leo.
In the lengthy history of the papacy, opting for the name Leo is neither revolutionary nor exceptional, as it is one of the most commonly used names among popes, following John, Benedict, Gregory, and Clement…