The moment Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago said “yes” to the world’s most powerful religious job, one of the first questions he was asked wasn’t about politics, theology, or doctrine.
It was this:
“By what name do you wish to be called?”
And just like that — with a single Latin phrase — Robert became Leo XIV.
But why do popes change their names at all? And why does the new American pope’s choice matter more than you think?
The Tradition With a Twist
Changing your name when you become pope isn’t just a quirky ritual — it’s sacred symbolism.
For over 1,400 years, every newly elected pope has chosen a new name to mark a spiritual transformation and to signal the legacy they want to follow.
The first to do it? Pope John II, who ditched his real name — Mercury — because, well… being named after a Roman god wasn’t exactly on-brand for the head of the Catholic Church.
And ever since? It’s been a parade of Johns, Pauls, Leos, and one legendary Francis.
It’s Not Just a Name — It’s a Statement
In the Bible, God changed names for a reason. Abram became Abraham. Simon became Peter.
New name, new mission.
The same goes for popes.
When a cardinal accepts the white robes inside the Sistine Chapel, he picks a name that reflects who he wants to be — and how he wants to lead.
There are no rules, no approved list. The choice is 100% personal, 100% powerful.
“You’re basically setting the tone for your entire papacy in one word,” says one Vatican analyst.
Why Pope Leo XIV?
So, why did America’s first-ever pope choose Leo?
Some say it’s a direct nod to Pope Leo XIII — a reformer known for modernizing the Church, standing up for workers’ rights, and embracing change without throwing tradition out the window.
Sound familiar?
Leo XIV spent decades in Peru as a missionary, lived among the poor, and led one of the Vatican’s most powerful departments — but he’s stayed out of the politics and scandals of Rome’s old guard.
By picking “Leo,” the new pope may be saying: I’m here to lead. I’m here to reform. But I’m doing it on my terms.
And by not choosing “Francis II,” he’s politely saying: Thanks for the inspiration — but I’ve got my own direction now.
The Name No One Dares to Use
Quick trivia:
No pope has ever dared to call himself Peter II.
Not once. Not ever.
Why? Because Saint Peter was the original pope, handpicked by Jesus himself. And stepping into that name would be… let’s just say, a bit much.
It’s the Church’s ultimate line of respect: Be Peter’s successor — not his replacement.
What Leo XIV’s Name Tells Us
This wasn’t just a name change. It was a headline, a message, and a mission statement — all rolled into one.
In just four letters, Pope Leo XIV told 1.3 billion Catholics around the world:
I honor the past, but I won’t be defined by it.
I’m grounded in tradition, but my eyes are on the future.
I’m not here for power — I’m here to serve.
