The new Pope of the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost, an American national, served as a missionary in Peru and currently holds the position of prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. However, an interesting aspect is the choice of his name, Leo XIV, based on Leo XIII.
The name Leo has a long tradition among pontiffs, symbolizing vigor, leadership, and defense of the faith, essential attributes for those who assume the throne of Peter.
One of the most notable popes with that name was Leo XIII (Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci, 1810–1903), who led the Church as its 256th Pope between 1878 and 1903. Recognized for his intellectual character and reformist spirit, he was a pioneer in addressing social issues and contemporary politics.
He succeeded Pius IX at a time marked by conflicts between the Church and the emerging modern states, especially after the loss of the Papal States in 1870. His decision to call himself Leo—a name not used since the 16th century—evoked the strength of Leo I, also called "the Great."
His encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891) is considered the foundation of the Church's social doctrine. In it, he addressed topics such as society, private property, and expressed his strong rejection of socialism.
