What does the name of Pope Leo mean?
He has associated himself with a tradition of doctrinal clarity and strong leadership by selecting the name.
Popes are not required to change their names when they assume office, but for the past 470 years, all of them have done so.
Frequently using a predecessor’s name to pay tribute to them and express their intention to emulate them.
Leo XIII, an Italian born Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci, was the last pope to hold that title. He was well-known for his social teachings and intellectual accomplishments during his 1878–1903 tenure.
The Holy See’s director also discussed the meaning of the name’s selection with reporters.
