Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church moved swiftly to select his successor. In just under two days of deliberation, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, signaling the election of a new pontiff: American Cardinal Robert Prevost.
Born in Chicago, Prevost made history as the first American ever to be elected pope, becoming the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
Former President Donald Trump reacted to the news on Truth Social, calling it a “great honor” for the United States. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” Trump wrote. “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
The name chosen by Prevost—Pope Leo XIV—carries deep significance within Catholic tradition. While not yet explained in detail by the Vatican, the choice evokes the legacy of previous Popes Leo, particularly Pope Leo XIII, known for his social teachings and efforts to engage with the modern world. The name suggests a continuation of that legacy, possibly signaling Prevost’s intent to uphold similar values during his papacy.
Pope Leo was announced as the new head of the Church on May 8 (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
What is the meaning behind Pope Leo’s name?
By choosing the name he has aligned himself with a legacy of strong leadership and doctrinal clarity.
While popes do not have to change their name when they step into the role, every one for the past 470 years has done so, often choosing the name of a predecessor to honor them and signal their desire to follow their example.
The last pope to bear that name served from 1878 to 1903, this was Leo XIII, an Italian pope born Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci, who was known for his intellectual contributions and his social teachings at the time.
The director of the Holy See also spoke to reporters about the significance of choosing this name.
He explained Pope Leo XIII is known for his encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum’, meaning ‘Of New Things,’ which is ‘considered to be the foundation for the modern social doctrine of the Church’
Father Vito Crincoli spoke to ABC News and added: “Looking to the history, Leos were strong popes.
“Like Leo XIII, he loved his people. He loved his people. His people, he considered man not a machine. A man’s work was a reflection of his dignity.
“We don’t know this yet, but it’d be really interesting to know why he took the name Leo.”
Pope Leo spoke to the crowds in Italian after being announced as the new head of the church(Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Pope Leo previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and was the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
Speaking to the crowd St Peter’s Basilica, his first words as pope were ‘May peace be with all of you.’
Speaking of his predecessor, Pope Francis, he added: “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up that blessing.”
“Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.
“That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”
