Leo XIV.: A new Pope between tradition and social responsibility

The choice of a Papst name is of great importance in the Catholic Church. The newly elected Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, has decided on the name Leo, which indicates a long tradition of popes of this name. Leo-Popes stood in church history for different, partly defining approaches and topics. The most important among them, like Leo I. and Leo XIII.

Leo IX. and Leo XIII. are outstanding examples of the diversity within the Papal tradition. Leo I., often referred to as one of the greatest popes in antiquity, played a central role in theological and political questions. Through his work at Chalcedon's Council, he established decisive Christological teachings, while his diplomatic efforts, such as negotiations with Attila, underlined his political importance. Leo XIII. On the other hand, the Catholic social teaching introduced and was a advocate of peace by positioning the holy chair as a neutral mediator on the international stage.

A central work by Leo XIII. is the encyclical "Rerum Novarum", which is considered an answer to social injustices of time. Through this publication, he gave significant impulses in Catholic social teaching and addressed the challenges of industrial society. These approaches could also be relevant for Leo XIV, especially at a time that is characterized by social crises.

The choice of the name Leo could be understood as a signal in the conservative circles. Leo XIII. is often associated with prayer to St. Michael, which in the past had great influence on the believers. Leo XIV can therefore be seen as a continuation of this tradition, while at the same time picking up the ideals of his predecessor, Pope Francis. This indicates that the new Pontifex could look for a balance between preservation and reform.

With his choice, Leo XIV establishes a connection to a story that is characterized by different embossing and diverse challenges. It remains to be seen how this new Pope will classify itself in the series of its predecessors. It can be expected that he will build on both the successes and the challenges of its predecessors, especially with regard to social justice and peace - topics that are of central importance in every era.