How Popes Choose Their Names and the Significance Behind Them
Vatican City – May 8, 2025
As the Catholic Church navigates the ongoing papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, the tradition of popes selecting a new name upon assuming the papacy remains a topic of fascination. This practice, rooted in centuries of history, carries deep symbolic and spiritual significance, reflecting a pope’s mission, inspirations, or aspirations for their pontificate, as explored in insights from Reuters, Catholic Encyclopedia, and recent posts on X.
The Process of Choosing a Papal Name
When a cardinal is elected pope, he is asked, “By what name shall you be called?” by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, marking the moment he selects his papal name. This choice is typically made during the conclave, often prepared in advance, as the new pope reflects on his spiritual and pastoral goals. The name is announced to the world when the senior cardinal deacon proclaims “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing the pope with his chosen title, such as “Franciscus” for Pope Francis in 2013.
The tradition began in 533 with Mercurius, who deemed his birth name—honoring a Roman god—unsuitable and chose John II, signaling a Christian identity. Since then, most popes have adopted a new name, though some, like Adrian VI (1522–1523) and Marcellus II (1555), retained their baptismal names. The choice is personal, often inspired by a predecessor, a saint, or a theological virtue, and requires no formal approval, though it reflects careful consideration of the Church’s history and current needs.
Significance of the Papal Name
The papal name serves as a public declaration of a pope’s intended legacy and spiritual priorities:
- Tribute to Predecessors: Many popes choose names to honor those who shaped the Church or their personal faith. Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio, selected his name in 2013 to emulate St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing humility, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship, as noted by Vatican News. Similarly, John Paul I (1978) combined the names of John XXIII and Paul VI to honor their contributions to Vatican II.
- Theological Messaging: Names can signal doctrinal or pastoral focus. Benedict XVI (2005–2013) chose his name to evoke St. Benedict of Nursia, founder of Western monasticism, emphasizing tradition and spiritual renewal during a time of secular challenges, per the Catholic Encyclopedia.
- Cultural or Regional Ties: Some names reflect a pope’s heritage or outreach to specific communities. Pius XII (1939–1958) chose a name associated with peace, aligning with his wartime pontificate, while Leo XIII (1878–1903) invoked Leo the Great to underscore intellectual engagement, as seen in his social encyclicals.
- Breaking Tradition: Occasionally, popes choose unique names to mark a new era. John Paul I’s double name in 1978 was unprecedented, symbolizing continuity with Vatican II’s reforms. Pope Lando (913–914) remains the last to use a wholly original name, a rarity in modern times.
Historical Trends and Notable Patterns
Since 996, when Bruno of Carinthia became Gregory V, no pope has reused his birth name, cementing the custom of adopting a regnal name. The most popular names include John (23 popes), Gregory (16), and Benedict (16), reflecting their enduring appeal, as compiled by Catholic Answers. Some names, like Pius and Leo, recur during specific eras, often tied to the Church’s response to political or social upheavals.
The choice can also carry risks. John XIV (983–984) faced confusion due to a miscount of prior Johns, illustrating the importance of historical accuracy. Antipopes, like John XXIII (1410–1415), have occasionally muddled naming conventions, though the legitimate John XXIII (1958–1963) reclaimed the name with distinction.
Modern Context and Speculation
With the 2025 conclave underway, speculation abounds about the next papal name. A conservative pope might choose Pius or Benedict to signal a return to traditionalism, while a reformist could opt for John or Francis to emphasize continuity with Vatican II or social justice, as suggested on X by @CatholicNewsSvc. The name will offer a first glimpse into the new pope’s vision, especially amid global challenges like secularism, climate change, and Church unity.
The papal name, while symbolic, is more than a formality—it encapsulates a pope’s identity and sets the tone for his leadership. As the world awaits the white smoke, the chosen name will resonate far beyond the Vatican, shaping perceptions of the Church’s future.
Sources: Reuters, Catholic Encyclopedia, Vatican News, Catholic Answers, X posts (@CatholicNewsSvc, @VaticanI Media)