• Pope Leo XIV's name choice reflects a commitment to social justice, signaling continuity with previous papacies.
• His predecessor Leo XIII laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social thought, emphasizing workers' rights.
• The new pope intends to advocate for the marginalized, continuing Pope Francis’ focus on social issues.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was introduced to the world as Robert F. Prevost, and his selection of the name Leo XIV is seen as a clear indication of his commitment to social justice. This choice links him to Pope Leo XIII, a significant figure in Catholic history known for advocating for workers' rights during economic upheaval in the late 19th century, particularly through his influential encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which addressed the rights of the working class and criticized both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism, according to SCMP, LA Times, and Channel News Asia.

The name “Leo” was chosen during a pivotal moment as it reflects a commitment to addressing social issues, particularly the rights of workers and the poor. The legacy of Pope Leo XIII resonates with the current social climate, and experts note that this name choice demonstrates that Pope Leo XIV intends to continue this tradition. “I think this [new] pope is saying something about social justice, by choosing this name, that it is going to be a priority,” stated Natalia Imperatori-Lee of Manhattan University. Such sentiments highlight his dedication to solidarity with marginalized communities, according to SCMP, LA Times, and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Robert Prevost’s address following his election reinforces this message, as he spoke of building bridges and caring for those who suffer. His background, which includes years of service in Peru, emphasizes a life dedicated to aiding the impoverished, further underscoring the significance of his name choice. Vatican expert John Allen notes that such name selections are pivotal signals about a pope’s intended focus and approach, making clear associations with predecessors who championed social causes, according to SCMP, LA Times, and Channel News Asia.