Fr. Richard Simon broke down one of the first big questions people asked after the conclave:
Why did our new Holy Father choose the name “Leo XIV”?
Fr. Simon believes the choice wasn’t just about sounding fresh, but it was also a savvy, unifying move. Choosing a name like John Paul III or Francis II could risk stirring up factionalism or being interpreted as a signal of alignment with one past pope over another.
By choosing “Leo XIV,” the new Pope sidestepped any potential internal Church drama and made a statement rooted in continuity, not controversy. Fr. Simon sees this as both smart and humble, pointing to Leo XIII—who helped guide the Church through the Industrial Revolution. Now, Pope Leo XIV steps in during the AI revolution, hoping to bring clarity, leadership, and courage into a new era of challenge and opportunity.
Fr. Simon dropped a fun fact: There’s no rule that a new Pope must take a new name. It’s just tradition. A pope could technically keep his baptismal name if he wanted, but for centuries, taking a new name has symbolized a new mission, much like biblical figures receiving new names from God.
Fr. Simon also reminded listeners of the classic Vatican saying:
“He who enters the conclave a Pope comes out a cardinal.”
In other words, if you go in thinking you’re the one, the Holy Spirit likely has other plans. It’s a beautiful reminder that the papacy isn’t something you chase—it’s something that’s entrusted.
In summary, Pope Leo XIV’s name isn’t just a label. It’s a signal of humility, history, and hope—a bridge between past wisdom and future vision, just when the Church needs it most.
