In the storied halls of the Vatican, a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s history began on May 8, 2025. On this historic day, the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the first pope from the United States. His selection of the name “Leo” draws an intentional connection to the papal legacy of Leo XIII, whose influential encyclicals continue to shape Catholic social teaching more than a century later.

A New Leo 🦁 for Modern Times

Standing before the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV carried himself with quiet confidence. He blessed the gathered crowd, saying, “Peace be with you all!” in fluent Italian.
His traditional papal garments hinted at a subtle shift in presentation. Yet he still conveyed the warmth and accessibility of recent pontificates.

Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique background to the papacy. His journey to the Chair of St. Peter included extensive experience in both North and South America, combining academic credentials with pastoral work across multiple continents. As an Augustinian with a doctorate in canon law from Rome’s Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas, he represents the global nature of today’s Church while maintaining deep connections to traditional Catholic scholarship.

The new pontiff’s first homily, delivered in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, revealed his theological priorities and pastoral vision. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” he quoted from Peter’s profession of faith, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the Church’s mission. He spoke of the Church as “a city set on a hill, an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.”

Leo XIII: The Social Teaching Pioneer

The name selection carries particular significance due to the enduring impact of Pope Leo XIII, who served as pontiff from 1878 to 1903. Leo XIII authored the groundbreaking encyclical “Rerum Novarum” (Of New Things) in 1891. This landmark document established the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.

Written during the Industrial Revolution, “Rerum Novarum” addressed the conditions of workers and the proper relationship between labor, capital, the Church, and the state. Its principles on human dignity, workers’ rights, and economic justice continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about social equity and economic policy.

Leo XIII emphasized the inherent dignity of every human being. He wrote, “Every man has by nature the right to possess property of his own.” He supported just wages and dignified working conditions.
At the same time, he warned against unfettered capitalism and socialism. He articulated the principle of subsidiarity: issues should be handled by the smallest competent authority.
This principle remains central to Catholic political thought.

Connecting Two Eras

What connects these two pontiffs across more than a century is their focus on applying timeless Catholic teachings to contemporary challenges. While Leo XIII confronted the social upheaval of industrialization, Leo XIV faces a world transformed by digital technology, ecological concerns, and profound questions about human identity.

In his previous role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Cardinal Prevost emphasized that bishops must “communicate the beauty of the faith, the beauty and joy of knowing Jesus.” This sentiment echoes Leo XIII’s conviction that true social progress must be rooted in Christian life and institutions: “And if human society is to be healed now, in no other way can it be healed save by a return to Christian life and Christian institutions” (Rerum Novarum #27).

The new pope acknowledges the contemporary context where faith is often dismissed as “absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent.” “His call for “missionary outreach” addresses places where believers face mockery, opposition, and contempt. The new pope specifically mentions contexts where the faithful are “at best tolerated and pitied.” This approach suggests a pontificate that will actively engage with secular culture rather than retreat from it.”

The Role of the Papacy

As the 267th successor to St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV inherits a unique role in global Christianity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the papacy as “the perpetual and visible principle of unity in faith and communion in the Church.” This understanding of papal primacy dates back to Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus tells Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).

Through centuries of political upheaval, theological disputes, and cultural transformation, the papacy has provided continuity and stability for Catholic teaching. While adapting to changing circumstances, successive popes have maintained core doctrinal positions while developing the Church’s understanding of their application.

The papacy today functions not only as the spiritual leadership of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide but also as a significant voice in international diplomacy and humanitarian concerns. Pope Leo XIV’s background in both North and South America positions him uniquely to address global challenges with a perspective informed by experience in both developed and developing regions.

Looking Forward

In his first homily, Pope Leo XIV spoke of the need to “move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified.” This humility suggests a pontificate focused more on witnessing to Christ than on the personality of the pope himself.

His emphasis on the Church’s missionary character indicates that evangelization will be a priority, continuing the “New Evangelization” initiative championed by his predecessors. At the same time, his invocation of the Church as “an ark of salvation” suggests a commitment to preserving traditional Catholic teaching in an increasingly secular world.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, Catholics worldwide look to him as both a guardian of tradition and a guide for applying that tradition to contemporary challenges. His connection to Leo XIII through his chosen papal name invites reflection on how Catholic social teaching can address today’s social questions with the same moral clarity that Leo XIII brought to the industrial era.

In a world facing political polarization, technological disruption, and ecological concerns, how effectively Pope Leo XIV communicates ancient wisdom to modern ears may well define his papacy. Through this communication, he continues the legacy of Leo XIII while writing a new chapter in the ongoing story of the Catholic Church.

Related Resources

Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum (1891) – Vatican.va

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church – Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace

Leo XIV is the new Pope – Vatican News

How Tetherball is Like the Catholic Church – The Simple Catholic