Let's Dive into the Life of Leo XIII, the "Worker Pope"
Leo XIII was the Pope who is commonly referred to as the "Workers' Pope" in reference by Leo XIV. - The Pope invoked by Leo XIV was Pius IX, who was considered the Pontiff of the laboring class.
Hey there! Get ready to delve into the life of a remarkable Pope who left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and modern society - Pope Leo XIII, famously known as the "Worker Pope."
by Phil Goebel** + - 5 Min
It was just after six in the evening when the Sistine Chapel's chimney belched white smoke. Habemus Papam! A new Pope had been elected. The cheers of thousands of faithful on St. Peter's Square echoed as they embraced each other. Approximately an hour later, the newly-minted Pontiff - the American Robert Francis Prevost - appeared to the world on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, announcing his self-chosen papal name: Leo XIV.
A name that seemed unconventional on the surface but made sense upon closer inspection. Prevost was essentially harking back to his namesake Leo XIII, who lived over a century ago and shared more than a few similarities with him.
A Child Prodigy with an Astronomical Climb in the Catholic Church
Leo XIII, born as Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci in 1810 in Rome (then under French occupation), was a prodigious child. He received his education at a Jesuit college in central Italy and studied theology at the prestigious Collegium Romanum in Rome. He then completed his training for the papal administrative and diplomatic service and embarked on a career that could be described as meteoric: in 1835, he was promoted as a doctor of both laws – a degree in state and ecclesiastical legal sciences. Two short years later, he was ordained a priest.
However, Pecci seemed to be an awkward contemporary. In 1843, he was appointed as Archbishop by the reigning Pope Gregory XVI and was sent to Belgium as a Nuncio. His time there was short-lived, with the king recalling him at his request after a few months. His career took him to Perugia in 1846, where he served as bishop for several years. In 1853, at the age of 43, he was appointed Cardinal by Pope Pius IX.
From Conservative Hardliner to Progressive Innovator
At this point, his worldview started to change. Initially, Pecci presented himself as a hardliner, advocating an ultra-conservative and anti-scientific stance. He believed that theological studies should be reformed to reinforce traditions and conservative values. He became a leader among bishops who positioned themselves against the more progressive Italian state church. For Pecci, the Roman Catholic Church was the epicenter of world history.
In time, however, the rigorous conservative Pecci morphed into a – relatively – progressive revolutionist: he opened up to modern culture and technology, emerging as a leader of the more moderate representatives of the Vatican. As Pope Pius IX's reign came to an end, the ultraconservative Pecci transformed into a more enlightened Pontiff. And although time took a different course, both popes shared a common belief: the Church was the supreme instance – even above the sovereignty of states. As the saying goes, "What does it matter to a Pope if he's emperor or king; he sits on his throne!"
Pope Leo XIII soon recognized that such a view was out of sync with modern society, and especially aggravating was the Vatican's diminished significance following the Italian state's conquest of the Church State's territories in 1870, leaving the Pope as a king without a kingdom.
The Pope Establishes the Vatican as a Neutral Institution
Faced with this reality, Leo XIII made the best of a challenging situation: if the Church could no longer rule over all, then the Vatican should establish itself as an institution parallel to Kingdoms and Empires, with the Pope in a mediator role, independent and impartial. This positioning is considered the birth of modern papacy and has persisted to this day. However, the Pope initially encountered problems with this new role, particularly with the Italian state, for instance, by forbidding Catholics from participating in democratic parliaments.
Ultimately, it was his call for peace and social justice that impelled Leo XIII in an increasingly progressive direction. His encyclical "Rerum Novarum" (The Spirit of Renewal) is still relevant today within the Vatican. In it, the Pope condemns the exploitation of workers during the industrial revolution and their impoverishment. The letter serves as a significant guide on human and workers' rights, with the Pope stating that worker protection is a responsibility of the State. This encyclical marked the beginning of Church social teaching, exerting a significant influence on German social policy thought, earning Leo XIII the title of the "Worker Pope."
Alongside his social activism, Leo XIII mediated in revolts and conflicts. In another encyclical in 1892, he recognized the Third French Republic and allowed French Catholics the freedom to choose which political system they wished to support, stating that religion could only lead to a nation's peace regardless of the political system. This letter was also instrumental in the development of European democracies.
The First Media Pontiff
Over the years, Leo XIII managed to sway the politics of various countries. This forward-thinking approach is evident in his understanding of media dynamics, making him the first Pope to use encyclicals to touch on crucial topics, such as criticizing Freemasonry, condemning slavery in mission areas, or advocating for human freedom. When the Pope speaks, the world listens to his words.
He also recognized the impact of emerging mass media. In the 1880s and 1890s, he became the first Pope to have his voice recorded and the first Pontiff, and the oldest individual at that time, to be filmed. He is also thought to be the first church leader to give a newspaper interview.
Even after his death, Leo XIII left his mark in two significant ways: he had the third-longest reign (1878-1903) and, at 93 years old, he was the oldest Pope in history. Only the German Pope Benedict XVI has lived longer, but he resigned at the age of 86.
With the election of Pope Leo XIV, the new Pontiff steps into some formidable footsteps. Already during his first speech, it became evident that he sees himself in the tradition of his immediate predecessor Pope Francis and of Leo XIII. Intercultural understanding, peace, bridge-building - the Pontiff has a considerable agenda ahead of him in the current world situation.
Sources:Catholic.de, Vatican.ca, "Focus", "Spiegel"
- Pope
- Leo XIII
- Leo XIV
- Vatican
- Robert Francis Prevost
- Catholic Church
Insights:
Leo XIII was a prodigious child, beginning his education at a Jesuit college and studying theology at the prestigious Collegium Romanum in Rome. He was ordained a priest in 1837 after becoming a doctor of both laws in 1835.
Pope Leo XIII is often referred to as the Worker Pope due to his significant contributions to Catholic social teaching. In 1891, he released the encyclical "Rerum Novarum" which addressed the rights of workers during the industrial revolution, focusing on fair wages, safe working conditions, and labor union legitimacy.
Pope Leo XIII was the longest-reigning Pope from 1878 to 1903, and at 93, he was the oldest Pope in history to date.
- Pope Leo XIV, upon his election, made a meaningful connection with his namesake, Leo XIII, as both shared similarities in their roles and perspectives within the Catholic Church.
- Pope Leo XIV, during his first speech, expressed his intention to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis and Leo XIII, demonstrating a focus on intercultural understanding, peace, and bridge-building.
- Leo XIII, during his education and self-development, excelled academically, completing his training for the papal administrative and diplomatic service at the prestigious Collegium Romanum in Rome.
