Why did the new pope choose the name Leo XIV?
In his address to the cardinals on 10 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV said he chose the name after Leo XIII, whose 1891 encyclical Rerum novarum shaped Catholic social teaching. He cast artificial intelligence and automation as today's comparable challenge to human dignity.
Updated · originally
Popes explain their chosen name to the cardinals shortly after election. Leo XIV tied his choice to Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903) and the encyclical Rerum novarum on labour and capital — with artificial intelligence cast as today's equivalent upheaval. He later dated his own first encyclical to that document's 135th anniversary.
The reference to Leo XIII
Leo XIII issued Rerum novarum in 1891 in response to industrialisation, urban poverty and the rights of workers. It is considered the founding document of modern Catholic social teaching.
The connection to artificial intelligence
the developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour
He returned to the theme repeatedly, and on 25 May 2026 published Magnifica humanitas, his first encyclical, on the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum. See the Artificial Intelligence topic page.
Key facts
Key facts
- Previous Leo
- Leo XIII, reigned 1878–1903
- Landmark text
- Rerum novarum (1891)
- Leo XIV's framing
- AI and automation as a social turning point
- First encyclical
- Magnifica humanitas, 25 May 2026
In this story
Frequently asked questions
Where did he explain the name?
In his address to the College of Cardinals on 10 May 2025, two days after his election.
Sources
- Primary sourceVatican.va (Holy See) — Leo XIV — official texts, homilies, speeches and documents · Primary / official full texts
- Official sourceVatican News — Vatican News — Dicastery for Communication · Official Vatican news service
- News sourceReuters — Reuters — The Vatican · Wire reporting
LeoPope links to primary and official texts wherever they exist. See our sources policy.