The new Pope was announced on Thursday afternoon (8), after the conclusion of an conclave that lasted two days. The new pontiff chose the name Leo XIV, being the first to use the name “Leo” in over a century.
The last to use it was Pope Leo XIII, born Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci, who held the position from 1878 to 1903.
The old pontiff, which was the 256th in the history of the Church, is remembered, among other reasons, for writing the famous Rerum Novarum, an open letter published in May 1891 and one of the first documents to treat social and economic problems in the Church, as well as the themes of social doctrine.
According to the British Encyclopedia, many Catholics consider the encyclical, which reflected on the technological changes caused by the industrial revolution and the impact on workers, one of the most important church documents, as well as extremely progressive, given the time when it was published.
The encyclical is still considered current and, according to Vatican News, was then followed by two other popes: Paolo VI and John Paul II.
Name chosen in over a hundred years
When choosing to relive the name, Leo XIV may be signaling the priorities for his papacy, recalling a pontiff known for his dedication to social justice, fair wages and safe working conditions.
In his speech on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV said that the Church can still hear “the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis,” his predecessor.
The name Lion derives from the Latin “Leon”, suggesting strength and courage.
The first Pope Leo, who served in the fifth century, is known as “Lion, the Great,” being remembered for persuading Attila, Huno, to interrupt his invasion and spare the Roman Empire from destruction.
This content was originally published in Pope Leo XIII wrote an important document on workers; Meet on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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