How is the pope's name chosen?

Answer 1

No Pope is obligated to change his name. This is a pious tradition (not Sacred Tradition). The practice arose when a pagan convert to Christianity became Pope and changed his name from Mercury (after the pagan Roman god) to John II in 533 C.E. Until then, the Popes kept their original names, from Peter (#1) to Boniface II (#55). Between John II (#56) and Sergius IV (#142) in 1009 C.E. only a few Popes changed their names. But since Sergius IV, it has been common practice for all Popes to change their name when elected pontiff except Adrian VI and Marcellus II. Pope Benedict XVI chose the name Benedict for several reasons. At his papal audience on April 27, 2005, he explained his motivations for adopting the name. "I want to call myself Benedict XVI to bind myself to the venerated Pope Benedict XV, who guided the church in a troubled period because of the First World War. He was a courageous and authentic prophet of peace and worked with valiant courage first to prevent the drama of war and then to limit its nefarious consequences. In his footsteps, I want to place my ministry at the service of reconciliation and harmony among individuals and peoples, deeply convinced that the great good of peace is, first of all, a gift of God, a fragile and precious gift to invoke, safeguard and build day after day with the help of everyone." Benedict XVI also said he chose the name to evoke the spirit of Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism whose influence helped spread Christianity over Europe. "St. Benedict is very venerated in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, my homeland. He is a basic point of reference for the unity of Europe and a strong reminder of the undeniable Christian roots of its culture and civilization."

Answer 2

Most popes choose their own regnal names, often based on a pope or saint that they admire or respect. It is the first thing they do after being elected, before the result of the election is announced. They are not obliged to change their name; it has become a tradition to do so.

The most recent "new" name for a pope was Francis, there has never been a Pope Francis.Two popesbefore him, John Paul was chosen by Pope John Paul I in recognition of his two predecessors, Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI.

Not all popes changed their names. Apart from the Apostle Peter, whose name was changed from Simon to Peter by Jesus, the first pope to change his name was
Pope John II in 533 AD. His birth name was Mercury, and he considered it inappropriate to have the name of a pagan god as pope.

After 1009 AD, when the tradition became common practice, only two popes did not change their names - Adrian VI and Marcellus II.

Answer 3

No Pope is obligated to change his name. This is a pious tradition (not Sacred Tradition).

The practice arose when a pagan convert to Christianity became Pope and changed his name from Mercury (after the pagan Roman god) to John II in 533 C.E.

Until then, the Popes kept their original names, from Peter (#1) to Boniface II (#55).

Between John II (#56) and Sergius IV (#142) in 1009 C.E. only a few Popes changed their names.

But since Sergius IV, it has been common practice for all Popes to change their name when elected pontiff except Adrian VI and Marcellus II.

Pope Benedict XVI chose the name Benedict for several reasons. At his papal audience on April 27, 2005, he explained his motivations for adopting the name.

"I want to call myself Benedict XVI to bind myself to the venerated Pope Benedict XV, who guided the church in a troubled period because of the First World War. He was a courageous and authentic prophet of peace and worked with valiant courage first to prevent the drama of war and then to limit its nefarious consequences. In his footsteps, I want to place my ministry at the service of reconciliation and harmony among individuals and peoples, deeply convinced that the great good of peace is, first of all, a gift of God, a fragile and precious gift to invoke, safeguard and build day after day with the help of everyone."

Benedict XVI also said he chose the name to evoke the spirit of Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism whose influence helped spread Christianity over Europe.

"St. Benedict is very venerated in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, my homeland. He is a basic point of reference for the unity of Europe and a strong reminder of the undeniable Christian roots of its culture and civilization."

Answer 4

The ope is not required to change his name and can keep his birth name if he chooses. However, it has been many centuries since that has happened. A pope may take a name previously used by other popes, as did Benedict XVI, or Francis who chose the name of his favorite saint - St. Francis of Assisi.

Answer 5

The newly elected pope chooses his regnal name or may also choose to be known by is birth name.

Answer 6

The new pope chooses his own name under which he will reign.