Religious Education

Feast Days in the Catholic Church

Yesterday was the feast day of St Leo (the First) which led me to research why our current Pope chose the name Leo. We celebrate feast days so we can learn from the lives of important historical figures.

Introducing Pope Leo XIV: A Focus on the Modern World

We often hear about the Pope as the head of the Catholic Church. Right now, the person holding that role is Pope Leo XIV, who was elected in May 2025 (succeeding Pope Francis).

When a new Pope chooses a name, it usually signals the kind of leader he intends to be. Pope Leo XIV chose his name to connect with two important predecessors, highlighting his commitment to a very relevant mission:

1. Social Justice and Technology

His main inspiration is Pope Leo XIII, who, over 100 years ago, was famous for writing about the rights of workers during the rise of the Industrial Revolution.

By choosing this name, Pope Leo XIV is signaling that his pontificate will focus on the social challenges of our time, specifically looking at how the Church can address modern issues like artificial intelligence and digital technology while always protecting human dignity.

2. Strong Leadership and Clear Direction

The name "Leo" also connects him to St. Leo I (or "Leo the Great"), a historical figure known for his strong leadership and courage in times of chaos.

This link suggests that Pope Leo XIV is committed to providing clear, steady, and responsible direction for the global Catholic Church as it navigates the complexities of the 21st century.