The name "Pope Leo" originates from the Latin word for "lion," symbolizing strength, courage, majesty, and leadership. It has been one of the historically significant and frequently chosen papal names. The first Pope Leo, known as Leo the Great (440–461 AD), was celebrated for important acts like negotiating peace with Attila the Hun, which saved Rome from invasion, and for defining Christological doctrine, emphasizing Jesus Christ's full humanity and divinity. Subsequent popes named Leo, such as Leo XIII (1878–1903), contributed significantly to the Church, especially through social teachings like the encyclical "Rerum Novarum," addressing workers' rights amidst the Industrial Revolution. The choice of the name "Leo" by recent popes reflects admiration for these legacies. For instance, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV chose this name partly to honor Pope Leo XIII's work and to symbolize standing strong in contemporary challenges, such as the rapidly advancing artificial intelligence era. The name conveys a commitment to courage, social justice, and leadership in the Church's evolving role in the modern world.
