Pope Leo XIV Follows in the Footsteps of Leo XIII, Who Laid the Foundation for Social Doctrine During the Industrial Revolution
Pope Leo XIV, who was recently elected through the conclave, has explained why he chose "Leo XIV" as his papal name.
On May 10 (local time), Vatican News reported that the Pope delivered a speech after meeting with the College of Cardinals for the first time in the Vatican. Addressing the cardinals, he said, "You are helping me to fulfill a role that is beyond my abilities," and added, "I am merely a humble servant, nothing more and nothing less."
In his speech, the Pope cited Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903, as the reason for choosing the name "Leo."
Pope Leo XIII issued the historic encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which addressed social issues in the context of the Industrial Revolution. "Rerum Novarum" is recognized as the Catholic Church's first social encyclical and as a charter of labor. This encyclical highlighted the harsh realities faced by workers after the Industrial Revolution, criticized both the ideology of capitalism and that of socialism, and sought alternatives based on a Gospel perspective. It is regarded as the foundation of modern Catholic social teaching.
Pope Leo XIV explained, "Today, as the development of artificial intelligence (AI) presents new challenges to human dignity, justice, and the protection of labor amid yet another industrial revolution, the Church is presenting its precious social doctrine to everyone." Vatican News also noted, "The papal name Leo is not only rooted in tradition, but also stands as a response to the constant call to confront the challenges of a rapidly changing world and to protect the most vulnerable."
Additionally, the Pope spoke of his predecessor, Pope Francis, saying, "He set an example of complete devotion to service and a simple life," and added, "Throughout his papacy, he was wholly devoted to God and demonstrated calm trust even at the moment of returning to the Father's house." He continued, "Let us continue our journey by carrying forward the precious legacy left by Pope Francis," urging the cardinals to remain committed to the major church reforms implemented during the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s. Foreign media interpreted this as Pope Leo XIV expressing his intention to carry on the vision and reformist will of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, President of the United States, also sent a congratulatory message on the election of the first American pope. President Trump stated on Truth Social, "It is truly an honor to learn that he is the first American pope, and it is a great honor for our country," adding, "I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. That will be a very meaningful moment." The papal inauguration Mass is scheduled to be held on May 18 at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
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