Pope Leo XIV told cardinals on Saturday that he intends to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, praising Pope Francis for his “complete dedication to service and sober simplicity of life.”
From Saint Peter to myself, his unworthy successor, the Pope has always been a humble servant of God and of all people—nothing more,” he said, according to a transcript of his speech released by the Vatican.
Explaining his choice of name, Pope Leo XIV said it reflects his commitment to social justice, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution.“I chose the name Leo XIV,” he said, “because Leo XIII confronted the social question during the first major Industrial Revolution.
He added that today’s world faces a new kind of revolution—driven by technology and artificial intelligence—that demands renewed attention to human dignity, justice, and the rights of workers.