Stuff You Missed in History Class: Pope Leo XIII

Release Date: June 9, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry & Tracy B. Wilson

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson delve into the life and legacy of Pope Leo XIII. Exploring his biography, leadership within the Catholic Church, and his responses to the rapidly changing world of the late 19th century, the episode offers a comprehensive look at a pivotal figure in religious and global history.

Early Life and Education

Vincenzo Giacchino Pecci, known henceforth as Giacchino Pecci, was born on March 2, 1810, in Carpento Romano, Rome, during a tumultuous period when the Papal States were under French occupation. Born into a financially comfortable family with a strong allegiance to the Papacy, Giacchino's path was set early on towards a life in the Church.

At the age of eight, Giacchino was sent to Viterbo to be educated by the Jesuits, alongside his brother Giuseppe, who would later become a professor at the Jesuit seminary. By 1837, at 27 years old, Giacchino earned his doctoral degree in law from the Academy of Noble Ecclesiastics in Rome and was ordained to the priesthood. As Holly notes, “He was made a delegate to Benevento just a year into his career with the Church” (05:33).

Rapid Ascension within the Church

Giaccino's early career was marked by rapid advancement. Shortly after his ordination, he was appointed as a delegate to Benevento, a governor-like position within the Papal States. Despite significant challenges, including rampant crime and smuggling, Pecci successfully reformed the region, reducing crime to negligible levels within a few years (06:55).

His effective governance in Benevento led to his appointment in Perugia, a more prestigious and strategically important region. His achievements in Perugia, particularly during a visit from Pope Gregory XVI, earned him both accolades and the Pope's favor, paving the way for his next major role as nuncio to Brussels. However, his tenure in Belgium was fraught with political strife, especially a dispute with King Leopold I over education. Pecci's siding with the local bishop against the monarch ultimately resulted in his recall to Perugia (08:42).

Role as Camerlengo and Election to the Papacy

Despite a setback in Belgium, Pecci's standing within the Church remained significant. In 1877, he was named Camerlengo, a crucial role responsible for administering the Church's affairs upon the Pope's death (16:14). His reputation as a moderate and his long-standing commitment to his duties made him a frontrunner in the conclave following Pope Pius IX's death.

During the conclave, Pecci emerged as a preferred candidate among cardinals outside Italy, who valued his experience and perceived impartiality. Despite concerns about his health and stamina to lead, Pecci secured the necessary two-thirds majority on the third ballot, marking one of the quickest papal elections at that time (20:05). He chose the papal name Leo XIII, honoring his predecessor Leo XII and signaling his intent to uphold and subtly reform Church traditions.

Papal Leadership Amid Modern Challenges

Pope Leo XIII ascended to the papacy during an era marked by significant social, political, and technological transformations. As Holly describes, “he attempted to reconcile an uncompromised tradition with the modern spirit” (38:55). Leo XIII was acutely aware of the Church's waning political power and sought to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining doctrinal integrity and engaging with a rapidly modernizing world.

One of his most notable contributions was his prolific use of encyclicals—formal letters to bishops outlining the Church's stance on various issues. By 2015, Leo XIII had authored 90 encyclicals, constituting about one-third of all encyclicals issued by popes, underscoring his commitment to addressing contemporary issues through official channels (26:10).

Key Encyclicals and Social Teachings

Rerum Novarum (1891)

Perhaps his most influential encyclical, Rerum Novarum ("On the Condition of Labor"), addressed the profound social and economic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Leo XIII critiqued the stark disparities between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class, advocating for the rights of laborers while rejecting both unregulated capitalism and socialism.

He stated, "Wise men are discussing it, practical men are proposing schemes, popular meetings, legislatures and rulers of nations are all busied with it. Actually, there is no question which has taken deeper hold on the public mind" (35:30). This document laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching, emphasizing the dignity of labor, the right to fair wages, and the importance of social justice.

Testem Benevolentiae Nostre (1899)

In response to the controversial ideology of Americanism, which suggested that the Church should adapt its teachings to modern societal norms, Leo XIII issued Testem Benevolentiae Nostre. Addressing Archbishop James Gibbons of Baltimore, he vehemently opposed any dilution of Church doctrines to appeal to a broader audience. "There is nothing closer to our heart than to have those who are separated from the fold of Christ return to it, but in no other way than the way pointed out by Christ" (30:26).

Stance on Americanism and Modernity

Leo XIII was a staunch defender of traditional Catholic doctrines. In Testem Benevolentiae Nostre, he dismissed the notion that the Church should compromise its teachings to attract more followers, asserting that such concessions would ultimately lead to the Church's fragmentation. He argued, "Let it be far from anyone's mind to suppress for any reason any doctrine that has been handed down" (30:26).

However, Leo XIII also recognized the need for the Church to engage with modern philosophy and science. In his encyclical On the Restoration of Christian Philosophy (1879), he posited that philosophy could enhance faith: "Philosophy, if rightly made use of by the wise in certain way, tends to smooth and fortify the road to true faith" (32:45). This balanced approach highlighted his commitment to intellectual rigor and adaptability without compromising core beliefs.

Legacy and Death

Pope Leo XIII's tenure was marked by both adherence to tradition and intellectual openness. His efforts to address social issues, promote education, and engage with contemporary thought left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church. In celebrating his 25-year Jubilee in early 1903, it was evident that his leadership had endured beyond initial expectations of frailty.

Tragically, Leo XIII's life concluded on July 20, 1903, following a bout of pneumonia. Reflecting on his final days, he confided to Cardinal Mackey, "I am near the end. I do not know if all I have done has been good, but I have obeyed my conscience and our holy faith" (38:30). His death marked the end of a significant era, but his contributions continued to influence the Church's direction well into the future.

Conclusion

Pope Leo XIII stands as a pivotal figure who navigated the Catholic Church through an era of profound change. Balancing tradition with the demands of a modernizing world, his leadership and teachings laid the groundwork for future Catholic social doctrine and the Church's engagement with contemporary society. Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson effectively illuminate his complex legacy, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of a man who sought to harmonize faith with progress.

Notable Quotes

• Pope Leo XIII on the Enemies of the Church:
  "Now the source of these evils lies chiefly... the enemies of public order... have thought nothing better suited to destroy the foundations of society than to make an unflagging attack upon the Church of God" (27:29).

• On Americanism:
  "Let it be far from anyone's mind to suppress for any reason any doctrine that has been handed down..." (30:26).

• Reflecting on His Life:
  "I am near the end. I do not know if all I have done has been good, but I have obeyed my conscience and our holy faith." (38:30).

Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes and share their thoughts. For those interested in deeper dives into historical figures and events, Stuff You Missed in History Class remains a treasure trove of engaging and informative content.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript segments for reference.