Pope Leo XIV is making waves in the Catholic Church, and many are looking to his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, to understand his vision. While some focus on social media snippets from Cardinal Robert Prevost, it’s clear that Pope Leo XIV is laying the groundwork for a thoughtful leadership style. His approach signals a strong commitment to the Church’s teachings and a desire to engage with the modern world.
Pope Leo XIV chose his name to honor Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903. Leo XIII was a significant figure during a time of great change, particularly concerning the relationship between labor and capital. His encyclical, Rerum Novarum, is often seen as the foundation of modern Catholic social and economic teaching. In his first address to the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV highlighted Rerum Novarum as a key inspiration for his papacy. Understanding this connection helps shed light on the new pope’s mission.
Leo XIII faced a world filled with political upheaval and social change. The rise of secular and socialist movements challenged the traditional Christian states of his time. He wrote two essential texts, Immortale Dei and Rerum Novarum, addressing these shifts. In Immortale Dei, he argued for a Catholic confessional state and criticized governments that opposed God’s law. This stance may seem critical of American democracy, but Leo XIII was primarily concerned about any government that placed itself above divine law.
Pope Leo XIV echoed these sentiments in his first homily, emphasizing the importance of faith in maintaining a healthy society. He warned against the idea of viewing Jesus as just one teacher among many, which leads to a loss of meaning in life and human dignity. This teaching aligns closely with Leo XIII’s views in Immortale Dei.
Some may argue that Leo XIII’s vision of a Catholic state is outdated, but he recognized the importance of religious freedom. He believed that no one should be forced to accept the Catholic faith, a belief likely shared by Pope Leo XIV.
Leo XIII saw hope in America, viewing it as a model for a society where Church and state coexist separately yet harmoniously. He praised the United States for its potential and acknowledged the positive connection between religious devotion and civil prosperity. He urged journalists to report truthfully and avoid discord, a message that resonates with Pope Leo XIV’s recent call for unity in communication.
The heart of Leo XIII’s teachings lies in Rerum Novarum, which emphasizes faith as essential to society. This encyclical also aligns with the principles laid out by John Locke, particularly regarding private property as a natural right. Leo XIII condemned socialism while advocating for the rights of workers, stressing that wages should allow for a decent standard of living.
As Pope Leo XIV takes the helm, he carries the legacy of Leo XIII into a new era. He calls for dialogue and understanding, encouraging American Catholics to engage with the Church while also listening to his guidance. This connection between the two popes highlights a continuity in the Church’s teachings, showing that the new leader is rooted in the rich traditions of both the Catholic faith and American ideals.