What's in a 'papal name' and what the new pope's choice could mean for the church

The significance of a papal name lies in its symbolic power and the message it sends about a new pope’s intentions, priorities, and the direction he hopes to set for the Catholic Church. When a new pope is elected, one of his first acts is to choose a new name . It’s a tradition dating back to the early Middle Ages. This name is not required by doctrine but has become a deeply rooted custom. The chosen name often honours a saint, a previous pope, or a particular legacy the new pontiff wishes to emulate. How do popes choose a papal name? Pope Francis selected his name to honour St. Francis of Assisi, signalling a focus on humility, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship. Similarly, Pope John Paul I combined the names of his two immediate predecessors to signal continuity and commitment to their reforms. Ultimately, the papal name serves as a public declaration of the new pope’s vision and the values he intends to emphasize during his papacy. It is closely watched as an early indicator of whether the new leader will continue the work of his predecessors or chart a new course for the Church. Do popes ever choose names that have never been used? Popes rarely choose a name that has never been used before . In fact, before Pope Francis in 2013, it had been over 1,000 years since a pope — Pope Lando in 914 — selected a completely new name. Most popes opt for names with historical or spiritual significance . There are, however, several unique papal names from the early centuries that have never been repeated, such as Lando, Romanus, and Formosus. How might a pope’s cultural background affect his choice? Different cultures have influenced the choice of papal names in several ways, especially as the Church became more global. In the early centuries, popes from outside Italy — especially from France and Germany — often adopted more traditional or Italian-sounding names to align themselves with their Roman predecessors and the local culture of the papacy. This practice helped foster unity and continuity within the Church. In modern times, as the College of Cardinals has become more international , there is increased potential for popes to choose names that reflect their own cultural backgrounds or honour saints and historical figures important in their home regions. A pope from Africa or Latin America might select a name associated with early non-Italian pontiffs or saints from those regions to highlight the Church’s diversity and global reach. Pope Francis, from Argentina, chose a name never before used, making a break from European tradition and emphasizing humility and care for the marginalized, values resonant across cultures. Overall, while no formal rules require popes to choose names based on cultural background, their choices often reflect a desire to reflect their heritage, inclusivity or connect with the broader global Church. Could a papal name influence the Catholic Church’s relations with other faith traditions? The connotations of a papal name can significantly shape the new pope’s relationship with other religious leaders by pointing to his intended approach to interfaith dialogue, reform, tradition, or reconciliation. If a pope chooses a name associated with openness, peace, or past efforts at unity, it can foster goodwill and foreshadow a willingness to engage with leaders of other faiths. Conversely, names linked to periods of conflict or rigid doctrine, like “Pius,” may be interpreted as a sign of traditionalism or caution , potentially making interreligious collaboration more challenging. Have some papal names caused controversy? Some papal names have been considered controversial due to their associations with problematic historical figures or events. The name “John XXIII” was controversial because it had previously been used by a 15th-century antipope, leading to confusion and debate when Cardinal Angelo Roncalli chose it in 1958. No pope has ever chosen the name “Peter II,” likely out of respect for Saint Peter, the first pope, and to avoid controversy or the appearance of rivalry with such a foundational figure. However, some antipopes have used the name “Peter II,” which further adds to its contentious nature. Certain names, like Benedict, have been used by both legitimate popes and antipopes, sometimes creating confusion and controversy in papal history. Some papal names are avoided due to their association with notorious or scandalous popes , such as Alexander VI or Boniface VIII, whose papacies were marked by corruption or conflict.

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