Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost chooses name Pope Leo XIV. What is the history behind the name?

Joanne M. Pierce: Why the College of Cardinals chose Chicago native to be pope

When 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, he was cheered loudly by the huge crowd of pilgrims, tourists, local Catholics and…

Two thousand years of history give for much. That is why, when the protodeacon Dominique Mamberti has pronounced in Latin the name of the new pope, Leo XIV, it has been inevitable to think of other men and in other times. First, in Brother Leon, the dearest of the companions of Saint Francis of Assisi. Whoever was his disciple, secretary and confessor, Lion, of a simple and pure soul, had joined the fraternity in 1210 and remained close to the f…

American Cardinal Robert Francis Prévost was elected 267 successor of St. Peter, to lead the Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 8. He chose for his pontifical name Leo XIV. Leon is a rather common name of pope: it is the third most used name. The Johns are at the top of the podium with twenty-three representatives, followed by the Benedicts, who count sixteen. To register thus after fourteen other popes is indicative of a desire to blend into a f…

Pope Robert Prevost joins 13 pontiffs and thousands of Americans in choosing the name “Leo”

The name Leo is already reaching record popularity....

The new Pope Robert Francis Prevost of the United States, an Augustinian, will probably soon explain why he chose the papal name Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV: What is behind the name Robert Prevost has chosen?

Due to a longstanding tradition, newly-elected popes are asked to change their names.