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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.
What else can I help you with?
Why is Pope Benedict called Pope Benedict even though it is not his real name?
Pope Benedict was able to choose a new name when he was elected Pope. Popes usually choose the name of a saint they admire.
What was Saint Leo the Great's real name?
Leo was his real name. Popes were using their birth name at the time.
Can you have the popes real fathers and mothers last names?
Could you be specific and mention the specific name of the pope you are referring to, please? There are 266 popes, each with different parents.
What are the real names of previous popes?
There have been 266 popes, too many names to list here. For a complete list of these popes as well as their real names, click on this link.
What was the real name of Pope Urbanus?
There have been a number of popes named Urban so you need to be specific.
How was the President originally elected?
The US president has always been elected in substantially the same way. The real change was in the way the vice-president was elected.
What is sam westings real name?
his real name is Sam westing. He did not change his name.
What does popes and king have in common?
Commonalities are absolute rule, money, power and authority.Catholic AnswerPopes and Kings have very little in common. Kings mostly rule nowadays because they were born to it. Their authority varies depending on the country they rule and its type of government. Popes are elected by Cardinals, and serve as the Vicars of Christ. Popes have no power, and no real authority to change anything that has been handed down to them. They certainly have no money.
When and why Avril lavigne change her name?
She didn't change her name. It's real.
What is Christian Bale's real name?
Christian Bale is the actors real name. He did not change it
How many popes do you have?
There is only one real pope at a time.In history there have been what are called "anit-popes" which are men that claim to be pope but are have not been elected to lead the church by the College of Cardinals. There have been 40 anitpopes in history with the most recent being in 1447, Felix V.When the present pope, Benedict XVI, picked his name Catholic thought it curious because many of the antipopes where Benedicts and popes decided against it to pick the name for that reason
What is Cameron Brights real last name and why did he change it?
His real last name is Crigger and it is unknown why he changed it
