Of New Things

May 13

A week ago, the world was introduced to Pope Leo XIV. Many Catholics were surprised that the new Holy Father had chosen a name that had not been used in over 120 years. The last pope named “Leo” had reigned from 1870 to 1903. In some ways, the adoption of an older name suggested a traditional approach to the papacy and the world. However, a day after his election, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost explained that he chose the name Leo to honor one of the first “modern” leaders of the Church, Pope Leo XIII.

For those not familiar with his predecessor, the name Leo is a great choice for a pope who wants to engage with the modern world. Leo XIII was known for his great intellect and ability to deal with the issues facing contemporary society. On May 15, 1891, the Holy Father released the encyclical letter Rerum Novarum (Of New Things). The groundbreaking message to the leaders of the Church was presented during a time of great social and economic change in the world.

Amid the Industrial Revolution, the encyclical called for a just society based on common Christian principles. The Pope believed in a world where everyone was treated with dignity and respect, especially the marginalized. The letter specifically dealt with the rights of workers to a fair wage and safe working conditions. The Holy Father endorsed the formation of trade unions and called for a Christian understanding of property rights and free enterprise. While criticizing socialism, the Pope also cautioned against excessive capitalism. The teachings of Pope Leo XIII became the basis for Catholic social teaching, and the Holy Father became known as the “Pope of the working people.”

Pope Leo XIV has the same insights as his 19th-century predecessor. With our society changing at record speed, the Church must address the issues of our day. While spreading the Gospel and sharing the teachings of the Church, Christians must continue to show care, compassion, and dignity to all people. Even in the 21st century, the message of Jesus and the ministry of the Church have something to say to those struggling with the “new things” of this era. The new technologies and challenges they bring must be fused with Catholic social teaching.

For Oblates, Leo XIV reminds us of Pope Leo XIII and his role in the founding of our congregation. Blessed Louis Brisson saw firsthand the dangers and struggles of the Industrial Revolution. He witnessed the problems and challenges that Rerum Novarum tried to address. It was Pope Leo XIII who gave Brisson permission to begin the Oblate community. Over 150 years ago, the Holy Father encouraged the Oblates to be “in continued contact with the world, to be involved with it” to make Jesus present on the earth again.

The Bible is a constant reminder that God is always at work, always creating, always calling forth new things. In Isaiah, the Lord tells the prophet: “See, I am doing something new.” I truly believe that the Lord is at work in the Church today. Through Pope Leo XIV and all of our leaders, God is doing something new … with an old name and a never-changing message.