why is the pope called leo

The pope is called Leo because the name "Leo" derives from the Latin word for "lion," symbolizing strength, courage, majesty, and leadership. It is a historically significant name within the Catholic Church, chosen by many popes over the centuries to reflect qualities of power, bravery, and intellectual and theological leadership. The papal name Leo is associated especially with Pope Leo I, also called "Leo the Great," who reigned in the 5th century and was famous for persuading Attila the Hun to spare Rome, emphasizing peaceful resolution and the strength of the Church. Pope Leo I is also known as a great intellectual and theological reformer. More recently, Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903, is remembered for his social teachings, particularly the encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which addressed workers' rights and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. This name has been chosen as a symbol of commitment to social issues and the Church's engagement with modern challenges, including artificial intelligence and technology today. Thus, a pope choosing the name Leo connects to a legacy of strong leadership, social consciousness, theological significance, and a desire to invoke the spirit of previous Popes Leo who stood for peace, reform, and social justice.