When Pope Leo XIV chose the name “Leo,” he wasn’t just reaching back through history – he was anchoring himself in a legacy of powerful, transformative leadership. Drew Mariani and Dr. Kenneth Craycraft unpacked the profound meaning behind the name on The Drew Mariani Show, tracing it from Leo the Great, who famously stood down Attila the Hun, to Leo XIII, the architect of modern Catholic social teaching.
For Drew Mariani, the choice of the name Leo immediately brought to mind Leo XIII, a Pope who addressed the tumultuous social changes of the Industrial Revolution. His 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching, emphasizing the dignity of workers and the moral obligations of employers.
Dr. Craycraft noted that Pope Leo XIV seems poised to carry that same torch, but in a world grappling with AI, automation, and global uncertainty. While Leo XIII addressed the exploitation of labor, Leo XIV seems prepared to address the dignity of the human person in the digital age, reminding us that Catholic moral teaching is as relevant now as it was in the 19th century.
Dr. Craycraft emphasized that Leo XIV is more than a social critic – he’s a teacher with a missionary’s heart. Having served for years in Peru, he understands the plight of the poor and marginalized, and he’s not likely to forget that as Pope.
But what’s especially compelling is his approachability. Like John Paul II, he exudes a warmth and humility that makes people feel seen and heard. He’s a man who’s ready to bridge divides – within the Church and beyond, engaging with the modern world while staying deeply rooted in tradition.
As the world stands at the precipice of AI-driven transformation, Pope Leo XIV is stepping forward with clarity, humility, and a heart for unity. Instead of shying away from emerging challenges, he’s offering the Church’s moral wisdom as a guiding light through the storm.
Dr. Craycraft summed it up perfectly: Pope Leo XIV isn’t just a link to the past – he’s a Pope for the present and the future, speaking truth with compassion and leading the Church with a firm but gentle hand.
It’s a name with weight, a mission with urgency, and a Pope with a heart for the whole world.
