Pope Leo XIV chose his papal name partly to echo which previous pope's concern for workers and fairness?

Pope Leo XIII, who served as pontiff from 1878 to 1903, is widely recognized as a foundational figure in modern Catholic social teaching. He addressed the severe social and economic problems arising from the Industrial Revolution, particularly the plight of the working class. His landmark 1891 encyclical, "Rerum Novarum" ("Of New Things"), laid out the Church's position on social justice, advocating for workers' rights, the right to form unions, and the necessity of a living wage. This document criticized both unchecked capitalism for exploiting workers and socialism for its rejection of private property, instead promoting a balanced approach centered on human dignity and the common good.

The choice of a papal name is a deeply symbolic act, often reflecting a new pontiff's intentions, inspirations, and the direction they wish to lead the Church. Therefore, if a future Pope were to select the name Leo XIV, it would be a clear and deliberate signal of his desire to echo and continue the legacy of Leo XIII. Such a name choice would indicate a commitment to the principles of Catholic social teaching, emphasizing concern for workers, social justice, and human rights, much as Leo XIII did in his time.

By choosing to be Leo XIV, a new pope would explicitly connect his papacy to the enduring concerns for fairness and the dignity of labor articulated so powerfully by his predecessor. This would underscore the ongoing relevance of "Rerum Novarum" and its call for a just society that protects the vulnerable and promotes harmonious relations between employers and employees.