There has been universal joy at the choice of Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV, as our new pope. We witnessed extraordinary scenes as the white smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel and large crowds quickly gathered in St Peter’s Square, anxious to learn who was to be the new bishop of Rome and Pope for the universal Church. The Mass to inaugurate his papacy attracted world leaders and, again, a large crowd, and we witnessed the noble splendour of the Roman liturgy.

 

There has been a general sense of confidence in the choice of the cardinals. Already the words and actions of Pope Leo have built up much expectation for his papacy.

Each pope chooses a new name when he becomes pope. We recall that Jesus renamed Simon the fisherman as Peter – the rock. So, the choice of a name is significant. What is in the name, Leo?

Firstly, it is significant that the Holy Father chose a name which has been chosen by many before him. He is the fourteenth pope to choose this name. In comparison, Cardinal Bergoglio chose a completely new name, Francis, clearly uniting himself with the great saint from Assisi.

Choosing one of the traditional names for popes is an indication of his desire to stand firmly in the tradition of the papacy.

The papacy is greater than the man, and one senses Pope Leo knows this.

Much has been made of his choice of the name Leo, and there has been a focus on the last pope who chose that name, Leo XIII.  He himself has commented that he looks to the example of Pope Leo XIII, particularly his encyclical Rerum Novarum which opened up a new strain of papal teaching which has come to be known as Catholic Social Teaching. Pope Leo XIII is regarded as the pope who confronted the challenges presented by modernity, embracing its positive aspects, while warning against its dangers. He wished to engage in a dialogue with the contemporary world, while always upholding, and reminding people of, the eternal truths of Catholicism Pope Leo XIV has already indicated his desire to engage with the issues of the world of today, singling out, for instance, AI and its threat to human dignity

The choice of the name Leo has given attention to the papacy of Pope Leo XIII. He was pope from 1878 to 1903. He had to endure great isolation during a time when the secular powers in Italy were antagonistic towards the Church. He became a ‘Prisoner of the Vatican” never stepping outside the Vatican during his long pontificate.

Due to the perilous state of the Church, Pope Leo XIV invoked the patronage of St Joseph, naming him Patron of the Universal Church in 1870. It is worth noting that this action reveals that the pope understood that the challenges faced by the Church should be met at the spiritual level, as well as the political level. Here he witnesses to an important truth.

The Church is in the hands of God. Turning to God for divine guidance and assistance recognises this.

Pope Leo XIII was also very skilled in diplomacy and ensured that the Church came through a very challenging time. His trust in God was accompanied by wise and sound actions.

There was a clear spiritual dimension to the papacy of Pope Leo XIII that should not be overlooked. At a time when all temporal power was stripped from the papacy, Pope Leo was able to establish the moral and spiritual authority of the Pope. In a way it was a blessing for the Church, as it was freed from being seen as a temporal power.

During his twenty-five-year papacy Leo XIII wrote some 88 encyclicals on such diverse topics as the restoration of Christian philosophy, Christian marriage, the dangers of socialism, Christian education, the nature of human liberty and Freemasonry. He addressed a number of letters to the state of various nations including Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Ireland, and many others.

Many of his encyclicals had a rich spiritual strain. He wrote a number of letters fostering devotion to the Rosary. He also wrote on consecration to the Sacred Heart. He addressed the importance of Sacred Scripture and addressed a letter on the role of the Holy Spirit. And, as previously mentioned, he declared St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church.

Towards the end of his pontificate, he composed the Prayer to St Michael the Archangel, aware of the serious threats to the Church from the powers of darkness. There was a clear spiritual dimension to his leadership of the Church.

This reminds us that while leadership skills are very important, the Pope is a spiritual and moral leader.

His teaching and witness in these areas are vital for the guidance of the Church.

While there has been interest in linking Pope Leo XIV with his predecessor in name, it is also worthwhile noting the first pope who took the name Leo.

The first Pope Leo was elected in the year 440. He is one of only three popes with the designation of ‘the Great’, such was his contribution to the Church of his time. He is famously known as the Pope who convinced Attila the Hun not to sack Rome. He led the Church for twenty-one years during a very difficult time as the Roman Empire was disintegrating. He was a very able administrator and guided the Church with great wisdom.

He has been recognised for the spiritual depth with which he approached the pastoral care of his people. He is known for his spiritually profound sermons. He called people to holiness, grounded in the teaching of Sacred Scripture and he possessed an ability to reach the everyday needs and interests of his people.

Our current Pope has these two great popes as models and sources of inspiration as he assumes the papacy.

Let us pray for our new Pope, Leo XIV, that his papacy will reflect the qualities of both Pope Leo the Great and Pope Leo XIII.