With the election of each Pope the world waits with bated breath to hear the announcement of who it is and the new elect’s name. Each name is often chosen to represent both the history of the Church, the present time, and can be a lens of how to look forward. 

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has chosen his name to represent and model aspects of his papacy after Pope Leo XIII. Pope Leo XIII is often called “the father of social doctrine,” many of his encyclicals (like Rerum Novarum) are foundational to our understanding of Catholic Social Teaching as a whole. He was known to be a great promoter of social dialogue, which are characteristics that Pope Leo XIV is hoping to continue. This desire is reflected, in part, in his recent address to the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation. It is worth our own personal reflection, as well.

“Deeper reflection and study are essential, as well as a commitment to encounter and listen to the poor, who are a treasure for the Church and for humanity. Their viewpoints, though often disregarded, are vital if we are to see the world through God’s eyes. Those born and raised far from the centers of power should not merely be taught the Church’s social doctrine; they should also be recognized as carrying it forward and putting it into practice. Individuals committed to the betterment of society, popular movements and the various Catholic workers’ groups are an expression of those existential peripheries where hope endures and springs anew. I urge you to let the voice of the poor be heard.”