The number of babies named León is on the rise in Colombia after the new pope's election; this is the city with the most registrations.

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Pope Leo XIV's name becomes a trending topic Photo: iStock / EFE

In Bucaramanga, a quiet but significant transformation has begun to be noticed in civil registries. Since Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pontiff and adopted the name Leo XIV, the name "León" has begun to appear on cradles and birth certificates.

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What for many seemed like a mere Vatican protocol detail has resonated in homes across Santander. In less than two months, 49 children have been baptized or registered with the name "León," either as a first name or as part of a combination: León Santiago, Francisco León, Matías León, José León, and Mario León, among others.

Most of the names on the list come from biblical figures. Photo: iStock

Beyond the trend, there's an emotional and spiritual reason guiding these decisions. For many Catholic families, choosing a name isn't just a trend, but an act of faith.

In this case, 'León' represents strength, leadership, guidance, and determination : values they consider important in a rapidly changing world that, in many ways, seems to be losing its way.

"We chose it because we want our son to grow up with a name that has character , that always reminds him that he can face any challenge," explained the mother of a newborn to the Bucaramanga regional media outlet La Vanguardia , who registered the child with the name 'León Andrés'.

This event is a source of great joy for the family and loved ones. Photo: iStock

Leo XIV is no ordinary pope. His election marked a turning point in the Vatican's recent history, as the first pontiff of American origin and for his pastoral approach, close to the communities, straightforward in his discourse, and clear in his defense of social justice.

These references have not gone unnoticed among the most committed parishioners. Some parish priests in Bucaramanga even report an increase in the number of families approaching churches asking if the name "León" has biblical roots or Christian meaning , revealing a search for identity beyond aesthetics or sound.

The number of babies named León is on the rise in Colombia after the new pope's election; this is the city with the most registrations.

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