The Pope and the Power of the Name He Picks (Father Simon Says)

Fr. Simon explains why our new Holy Father didn’t go with something like “John Paul III” or “Francis II”, and it probably wasn’t just to keep things fresh. Pope Leo choosing a name like Leo XIV was a way of avoiding Church faction drama. In fact, Fr. Simon sees it as a savvy move: Pope Leo XIII once guided the Church through the Industrial Revolution, and now Leo XIV steps in during the AI revolution. 🤖🧠 Smart? Very. Humble? Absolutely. And this is deeply rooted in the mission of the Church.

Fr. Simon also clears up a fun bit of papal trivia: Does a Pope have to pick a new name? No! There’s no law saying he can’t stick with his baptismal name. It’s just tradition.

And one more gem 💎: Fr. Simon drops the classic Vatican line: “He who enters the conclave a Pope comes out a cardinal.” Translation: If you go into the conclave thinking you’re definitely going to be chosen as the next Pope… the Holy Spirit probably has other plans. 😅


 

 

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Jake Moore serves as a Digital Audio Content Producer for Relevant Radio®. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is passionate about classic movies, Christian music, young adult ministry, and leading this generation to Christ through compelling media. You can listen to more of his podcasts at relevantradio.com and on the Relevant Radio® app.