VATICAN CITY, Italy – In a statement marking his new papacy, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has opened up about the inspiration behind his decision to take the name Leo.
Speaking in a newly released interview, the Pope shared that his choice was deeply influenced by Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the social issues brought about by the first industrial revolution.
The new pontiff’s name choice is both a tribute to history and a response to modern-day challenges, particularly those posed by artificial intelligence.
“I chose to take the name Leo XIV for several reasons, but primarily because of Pope Leo XIII’s historic Rerum Novarum,” Pope Leo XIV explained. “In that encyclical, Pope Leo XIII tackled the social question at the height of the first industrial revolution. In our own time, the Church continues to respond to similar issues but with new urgency, especially given the advancements in artificial intelligence, which bring about new questions regarding human dignity, justice, and labor.”
The decision to adopt the name of his predecessor is not just a nod to tradition but a clear statement of intent regarding the direction of the Church’s social teachings under his leadership.
Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum laid the groundwork for Catholic social doctrine, focusing on workers’ rights, the conditions of labor, and the moral responsibilities of employers during a time of rapid industrialization.
By choosing to name himself Leo XIV, the new Pope positions himself as the moral voice guiding the Church through modern transformations, notably the rise of AI and its impact on society.
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a new chapter in the Church’s leadership.
The College of Cardinals elected Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV is seen as a bridge between generations—experienced enough to continue the reforms initiated by Pope Francis while still young enough to lead the Church through long-term change.
Born in the south suburbs of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s early faith was shaped at St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Dolton, Illinois.
He was ordained as a priest in 1982 and quickly became involved in missionary work, which took him beyond U.S. borders to Peru.
For two decades, he served as a missionary before earning a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
His commitment to Latin America culminated in his role as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2023, where he became known as a hands-on, pastoral leader with a solid theological foundation.
During this time, he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen, further cementing his deep connection to the region.
The Pope’s choice of name, Leo XIV, is not just a continuation of a papal legacy but a deliberate reflection of the challenges the Church must address in the modern world.
Pope Leo XIV’s first papal address emphasized the need for the Church to remain a steadfast advocate for human rights and the social welfare of all people, particularly in the face of growing technological disruption.
As the Catholic Church continues its mission to defend the marginalized, Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name reinforces his commitment to this cause, while also acknowledging the complex realities of today’s globalized world.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV made it clear that while his papacy will honor the legacy of those before him, he will also steer the Church toward addressing the urgent issues of our time, from economic inequality to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
The Pope’s leadership promises a forward-thinking approach to social justice, grounded in the Church’s long history of moral guidance and social advocacy.
