Pope Leo XIV and the Battle Against Modernity

On May 8, 2025, the world witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Catholic Church as former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost took the name Pope Leo XIV to begin the 267th pontificate in the unbroken line of successors to St. Peter. With the eyes of the faithful and the curiosity of the secular world fixed upon the Vatican, many are wondering what the new pope’s choice of name might reveal about the tone and direction of his papacy.

Names matter—especially papal names. They are never chosen lightly. A pope’s chosen name often signals continuity, inspiration, or a theological and pastoral roadmap for the years ahead. For instance, the name “Leo,” meaning “lion” in Latin, has been associated with strength and leadership in the papacy. This could be one signal toward the Holy Father’s intentions toward strong leadership.

Pope Leo XIV recently shared the inspiration behind his chosen papal name, citing the influential encyclical from his predecessor Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), Rerum Novarum, which championed workers’ rights, just wages, and critiqued the flawed ideologies of socialism and communism. He drew attention to the clear parallels between the upheaval of the first Industrial Revolution and the disruptions brought about by today’s rapidly evolving technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. By aligning himself with the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who boldly addressed the social challenges of his era, Pope Leo XIV signaled his commitment to engaging the moral and societal dilemmas of the digital age.

Pope Leo XIII is remembered not only for his robust theological output and diplomatic skill but especially for his spiritual insight and prophetic warnings. Perhaps most famously, he is known for composing the powerful Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, a prayer that continues to be said after Low Masses throughout the world. The backstory to this prayer is both dramatic and instructive.

According to accounts from those close to Pope Leo XIII, the Holy Father had a chilling experience while celebrating Mass. He is said to have collapsed after a terrifying vision, during which he saw demonic forces rising against the Church and the world in a ferocious spiritual battle. In response to this vision, he composed the now-famous prayer: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…,” and he instructed that it be prayed by the faithful after every Low Mass to enlist the protection of Heaven against the onslaught of evil and the rising tide of modern secularism.

This spiritual instinct—rooted in discernment, vigilance, and deep pastoral concern—was a hallmark of Leo XIII’s pontificate. He saw with clear eyes the perils facing the modern world. The late 19th century was a time of upheaval: revolutions had swept across Europe, the power of the Church in political life was waning, and ideologies hostile to Christianity were gaining ground. Yet, rather than retreating into reactionary bitterness, Pope Leo XIII responded with courage and conviction. 

Is it any wonder, then, that Pope Leo XIV would choose to align himself with such a legacy? It is worth noting that Pope Leo XIV was elected on the Feast of the Apparition (or Vision) of St. Michael the Archangel, May 8th. His first Sunday as pope fell on “Good Shepherd Sunday”—the Fourth Sunday of Easter in the Church’s current liturgical calendar. These providential alignments serve as a hopeful sign as the Church welcomes a new shepherd. We, of course, pray that he may lead the flock with courage and wisdom, guarding them from the wolves and guiding them ever closer to the things of Heaven. It is worth noting that Pope Leo XIV was elected on the Feast of the Apparition (or Vision) of St. Michael the Archangel, May 8th. His first Sunday as pope fell on “Good Shepherd Sunday.”Tweet This

Today’s challenges are in many ways more insidious than those of a century ago. The Church faces not only external pressures from secular governments, declining religious practice, and technological overreach, but also internal confusion and division. The faithful are seeking clarity, leadership, and above all, a renewed proclamation of the unchanging Gospel message in a world that often seems deaf to it.

In choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope may be signaling that he is prepared to carry on the battle that Leo XIII waged—not with weapons of this world but with the power of truth, prayer, and a deep awareness of the spiritual struggle that undergirds every age. He inherits a Church in need of healing, unity, and missionary boldness. And like his namesake, he appears ready to face these challenges head-on.

The world is desperate—perhaps now more than ever—to hear the true message of the Gospel. Pope Leo XIV steps into the papacy at a time when many feel spiritually disoriented. In recalling the example of Leo XIII, he may be inviting the Church to look beyond political ideologies and fleeting trends and instead return to the wellsprings of the Faith: Scripture, tradition, the sacraments, and prayer.

May the new pope, guided by the Holy Spirit and protected by St. Michael and all the angels and saints, lead the Church with wisdom, courage, and fidelity. The name he bears is not just a tribute to history—it is a call to arms in the ongoing battle for the soul of the modern world. And perhaps, like Leo XIII before him, Leo XIV will urge the Church to kneel once more in prayer, knowing that victory does not come from strength alone but from the power of God.