When white smoke rose and the name “Leo XIV” was announced, the world was stunned. The new pope, a Chicago-born American with global experience and a heart for justice, has officially taken the helm of the Catholic Church. On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew Mariani and Dr. Kenneth Craycraft unpacked the significance of this momentous choice.
Choosing the name Leo carries profound historical weight. Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903, confronted the challenges of the Industrial Revolution and rising social inequality with clarity and courage. His encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching, emphasizing workers’ rights, human dignity, and the common good.
Dr. Craycraft sees the new pope’s choice of the name Leo XIV as a deliberate echo of that legacy, but with a focus on the pressing moral challenges of today’s world, including AI ethics, social polarization, and economic disparity. “It’s a lion-hearted move,” he says, “for an age that desperately needs moral courage.”
Pope Leo XIV isn’t just an American—he’s a citizen of the world. Fluent in five languages and conversant in two more, he’s lived and ministered in diverse cultural contexts. Drew Mariani and Dr. Craycraft emphasized that his global perspective could position him as a bridge-builder, fostering unity across divided nations and communities.
Dr. Craycraft noted that Pope Leo XIV has a clear focus on human dignity, labor rights, and the common good. This emphasis aligns with the social justice teachings of Leo XIII, but it’s also grounded in a deep Marian devotion. Like his predecessor, the new pope is a staunch devotee of Our Lady, a timely anchor in what many feel are apocalyptic times.
Dr. Craycraft speculated that Pope Leo XIV’s first pilgrimage may be to Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, both landmark projects initiated by Leo XIII. This would not only honor his namesake but also signal his commitment to the spiritual and intellectual renewal of the Church.
Drew and Fr. Rocky are inviting listeners to unite in prayer for the new Holy Father during the Family Rosary Across America at 7 PM CT. It’s a moment to pray for wisdom, courage, and unity as the Church enters a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.
Stay tuned to Relevant Radio for continued coverage as the world gets to know the new Vicar of Christ and his vision for the Church!
