Leo XIV: Rerum Novarum Reprise

As the College of Cardinals filed out of the Sistine Chapel last week and white smoke floated above the Vatican, it became instantly clear that the world had changed in a manner that elevated hope for the future.

Astoundingly, the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church, Leo XIV, stepped forward into the middle of St. Peter’s Square and proclaimed his message of unity. At that moment, the most well known American on the planet became Pope Leo and Donald J Trump receded from view.

The College of Cardinals knew what it was doing. The new American Pope represents a potent antidote to Trump. Pope Leo speaks 5 languages fluently and has lived throughout the world. He stands for unity, compassion, collaboration and understanding among people. That he hails from Chicago, spent time studying in St. Louis and roots for the White Sox only adds to his allure.

Each Pope chooses his name carefully. The new Pope chose his as a tribute to Pope Leo XIII who wrote a famous encyclical at the turn of the 20th century entitled Rerum Novarum, or “Of New Things and Revolutionary Change”. The encyclical is an anthem of support for the working class at the height of the Industrial Revolution and Robber Baron era. While calling for the dignity and support of the working class, the encyclical endorses property rights and free enterprise.

The unity and synthesis of the principles of capitalism and the rights of workers embodied in the encyclical make it one of the most important documents in the modern Church. In the same manner, Pope Leo XIV seeks to synthesize divergent factions within the Church as well as around the globe.

Pope Leo’s approach is the polar opposite of the isolationism and super nationalism prevalent in many areas of the world today. As a multilingual American preaching a message of unity, Pope Leo represents revolutionary change which will make the world a better place.

Joe Schlafly

May 14, 2025