Pope Leo XIV says choice of name reflects social commitment

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in the Vatican, on May 8, 2025. [AFP]

Pope Leo XIV said Saturday he intended to follow his predecessor's path as pontiff, praising Francis's "complete dedication to service" and explaining his name choice reflected a commitment to social causes, according to the Vatican.

Addressing a meeting of cardinals two days after being elected the 267th pope, Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost said a pontiff was "a humble servant of God and of his brothers and sisters, and nothing more than this".