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The Independent
08-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
What the new Pope's name will say about their plans for the Catholic Church
The first hint of the next pope's direction will come with the name he chooses. After the traditional announcement of "Habemus Papam" – "We have a pope" – from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new pontiff's baptismal name is revealed, followed by the all-important papal name, laden with symbolic meaning. A Pope Francis II would signal a continuation of the late pontiff's focus on pastoral care and the marginalised. Interestingly, Francis himself jokingly suggested his successor might be John XXIV, referencing the progressive pope of the Second Vatican Council era. Conversely, selecting Pius, the most frequently used papal name of the 20th century, would clearly indicate a traditionalist taking the helm. As Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan College, notes, "In the deepest recesses of their mind, when they start the conclave, everyone will walk in there with a name in their head." The chosen name will offer a crucial first glimpse into the new pope's vision for the Catholic Church. Four favourites have emerged to succeed Pope Francis, but what will their new name mean? History of papal names For most of the Catholic Church 's first millennium, popes used their given names. The first exception was the 6th century Roman Mercurius, who had been named for a pagan god and chose the more appropriate name of John II. The practice of adopting a new name became ingrained during the 11th century, a period of German popes who chose names of early church bishops out of 'a desire to signify continuity," said the Rev. Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome 's Pontifical Gregorian University. For many centuries, new popes tended to choose the name of the pope who had elevated them to cardinal. John was the most popular, chosen by 23 popes, followed by Benedict and Gregory, each with 16. Only starting in the mid-20th century did new popes begin to choose names signaling the aim of their papacy, Regoli said. 'Even now, as we are waiting for the new pope, the name with which he will present himself will help us to understand the horizon towards which he wants to proceed," Regoli said. Some names have been out of use for centuries, like Urban or Innocent. 'I don't think anyone will pick Innocent,″ Imperatori-Lee said, given the abuse and other scandals that have rocked the church. 'I don't think that would be the right choice." Recent names of Popes FRANCIS Pope Francis, elected in 2013, took the name of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his humility, life of poverty and love of all creatures. With it, Francis signaled a papacy focused on those who are often seen as outsiders, including the poor, prisoners and the LGBTQ+ community, while promoting peace, brotherhood and care of the environment. BENEDICT Last chosen by German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, elected in 2005. Pope Benedict XVI said he wanted to pay homage to Benedict XV, who led the church during World War I and dedicated himself to healing the rifts of war, and to the 6th century St. Benedict, founder of Western monasticism, who helped spread Christianity throughout Europe. One of Benedict XVI 's priorities was trying to revive the faith in Europe. 'If we get a Benedict, then we will know that the cardinals chose to see Francis as an anomaly," Imperatori-Lee said. JOHN PAUL The papacy's first composite name was chosen by Cardinal Albino Luciani in 1978 to honor Pope John XXIII, who opened the Vatican Council II process that reformed the Catholic Church, and Paul VI, who closed it. The name signaled a commitment to reforms, including sidelining the Latin Mass in favor of local languages and opening to other faiths, most significantly Judaism. John Paul I's papacy lasted just 33 days. Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, who succeeded him, chose the name John Paul II. JOHN Chosen 23 times by popes, most recently in 1958 by Pope John XXIII. John can refer to St. John the Apostle, one of Jesus' 12 apostles and the author of one of the Gospels, or St. John the Baptist, the prophet who baptized Jesus. 'John the XXIII was a pope that no one expected a lot from, but had a colossal impact on the church," Imperatori-Lee said. 'So that could be a sign of what they want their pontificate to be like." PAUL Chosen six times, most recently in 1963 by Paul VI. St. Paul the Apostle spread the teachings of Jesus in the 1st century. PIUS It is associated with popes known for their traditionalist, anti-reform bent. Pius IX ordered the kidnapping of the Jewish boy Edgardo Mortara in 1858 and raised him Catholic in the Vatican after learning he had been secretly baptized by a housekeeper. Pius X was the early 20th century anti-modernist who inspired the anti-Vatican II schismatic group, the Society of St. Pius X. Pius XII was the World War II-era pope criticized for not speaking out sufficiently about the Holocaust. "It is now a name that is hostage to some Catholic groups that can be considered traditionalists," Regoli said. New directions for a Pope A new pope is free to choose a name never used before, as Francis did. 'This would open a new season and could mean that his program is not in line with any of his predecessors, so an even more personalized program," Regoli said. Imperatori-Lee suggested another name that might signal a continuation of Francis' legacy: Ignatius, for the founder of Francis' Jesuit order. 'It would be interesting," she said. "We've never had one of those."
Fox News
07-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
Papal conclave: Eventual new pope's chosen name may signal what's ahead
Once a new pope is voted in, the name he chooses could signal the direction the Catholic Church moves in the coming years. The announcement "Habemus Papa," or, "We have a pope," will be made from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. It will then be followed by the pontiff's baptismal name in Latin, along with his chosen papal name and meaning. Should the pope choose to go with Pope Francis II, it could signify continuity with the late pontiff's pastoral legacy, though Francis himself quipped that whoever succeeds him would be John XXIV, named after the Vatican II-era pope. In the 20th century, the most popular name for popes was Pius, and if chosen, that could signal that a traditionalist is taking back the throne of St. Peter. THE POPE'S SALARY: HOW DOES THE PONTIFF GET PAID? "In the deepest recesses of their mind, when they start the conclave, everyone will walk in there with a name in their head," Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan University, told The Associated Press. For the majority of the Church's first 1,000 years, popes used their given names, though the first exception was Roman Mercurius in the 6th century, who was named for a pagan god and chose the name John II. Adopting a name became common practice during the 11th century, a period of German popes who chose the names of early bishops out of a "desire to signify continuity," Rev. Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, told the wire service. CARDINALS GATHER IN ST. PETER'S BASILICA FOR FINAL MASS BEFORE CONCLAVE TO CHOSE NEW POPE It was not until the mid-20th century that new popes began to choose names signaling the direction of their papacy, Regoli added. "Even now, as we are waiting for the new pope, the name with which he will present himself will help us to understand the horizon towards which he wants to proceed," Regoli said. Names like Urban and Innocent have not been used for centuries, and Imperatori-Lee said he did not think anyone would pick the latter, given the abuse and scandals that have rocked the church. THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS MEET TO ELECT THE NEXT POPE. WHO WILL IT BE? "I don't think that would be the right choice," he said. The most recent names chosen include Francis, Benedict and John Paul. The AP said Francis signaled a papacy focused on those who are often seen as outsiders, including the poor, prisoners and the LGBTQ+ community, while promoting peace, brotherhood and care for the environment. PAPAL PULSE: EVERYDAY CATHOLICS REVEAL THEIR HOPES FOR THE NEXT POPE Benedict, who was elected in 2005, was chosen because he wanted to pay homage to Benedict XV, who led the Catholic Church during World War I and dedicated himself to healing the rifts of war. John Paul chose his name, signaling a commitment to reforms, including the sidelining of the Latin Mass in favor of local languages and other faiths, most significantly Judaism. But it is still a new pope's choice to choose a name never used before. "This would open a new season and could mean that his program is not in line with any of his predecessors, so an even more personalized program," Regoli said. CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE FOX NEWS APP Imperatori-Lee suggested another name that might signal a continuation of Francis' legacy: Ignatius, for the founder of Francis' Jesuit order. "It would be interesting," she said. "We've never had one of those." The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Herald Malaysia
07-05-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Hilarius or Simplicius: The papal name dilemma
A papal name carries centuries of legacy and the next pope's choice could echo peace, power, or even prophecy May 07, 2025 Cardinals present in Rome meet for the General Congregation on April 30. (Photo: Vatican Media) From Pius to Clement, Hilarius to Simplicius, papal names through the centuries are inextricably linked to the brilliant or wretched legacies of the men who have ruled the Vatican. The cardinal elected to succeed Pope Francis following the conclave, which begins on May 7, will be announced to the world with his papal name in Latin. With so much weight placed on the significance of the papal moniker, the cardinals must choose wisely. The tradition of choosing a new name dates back to the sixth century, when an ordinary priest -- Mercurius -- was elected but felt he could not keep his pagan name. He swapped it for John, arguing that if Christ had renamed Simon, the first pope, as Peter, other popes could do the same. Since then, only one, Adrian VI in the 16th century, has kept his baptism name. In 2013, Argentine Jorge Bergoglio became the first pope to take the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century mystic who renounced his wealth and devoted his life to the poor. Bookmakers had been betting he would call himself Leo -- which means lion. While some names are associated with peace or theological brilliance, others have more controversial connotations. There has not been a pope called Celestine since the name was taken in 1294 by a hermit, who was elected against his wishes and resigned from the post after five months. He was immortalized by the Italian poet Dante, who placed him in Hell for his "great refusal." Francis' predecessor Benedict XVI also stepped down, so plumping for Benedict XVII or Celestine VI might spark speculation about an eventual resignation. Orgies, necromancy While popes in the first few centuries were called anything from Zachary to Adeodatus or Victor, from the 16th century onwards the same names have been circulating -- Clement, Gregory, Pius, Paul, Benedict -- and it is likely to be one of those, or a composite name. John Paul I was the first in 1978 to bring two papal names together, to honour those who led the Roman Catholic Church during the Second Vatican Council, and John Paul II upheld the tribute when his predecessor died after just 33 days as pope. Those aspiring to emulate Francis' charismatic leadership might call themselves John Paul III -- or even just John, after "Good Pope John" XXIII, who called the Second Vatican Council and declared it his mission to open up the Church to the world. While the name Pius might appear at first to have the right connotations, the last pope to go by it, Pius XII, was nicknamed "Hitler's Pope" by his detractors because of what they said was his silence during the Holocaust in World War II. Gregory and Alexander also have unfortunate associations: Gregory VII, elected in 1073, was accused of necromancy and using a bed of nails to torture those who crossed him. Alexander VI, a member of the wealthy Borgia family, was renowned for throwing wild orgies inside the papal palace. One of the most bizarre popes of all time was ninth-century Stephen VII, who despised his predecessor Formosus so much that he had his rotting body dug up, dressed in papal robes and put on trial for occupying the papacy illegally. Formosus was found guilty, the fingers he used to give blessings were chopped off and his body tossed in the river Tiber -- an ungracious end which makes it unlikely that anyone will choose the name Formosus II, regardless of whether or not the trial was fair. It would be a brave man who named himself Peter II. The name is considered off limits out of respect for the Church's first pope and, according to a prophecy attributed to a 12th-century saint, the next Peter's pontificate will bring the destruction of Rome and kick off the
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Hilarius or Simplicius, the papal name dilemma
The cardinal elected to succeed Pope Francis following the conclave, which begins on May 7. PHOTO: REUTERS VATICAN CITY - From Pius to Clement, Hilarius to Simplicius, papal names through the centuries are inextricably linked to the brilliant or wretched legacies of the men who have ruled the Vatican. The cardinal elected to succeed Pope Francis following the conclave, which begins on May 7, will be announced to the world with his papal name in Latin. With so much weight placed on the significance of the papal moniker, the cardinals must choose wisely. The tradition of choosing a new name dates back to the sixth century, when an ordinary priest – Mercurius – was elected but felt he could not keep his pagan name. He swapped it for John, arguing that if Christ had renamed Simon, the first pope, as Peter, other popes could do the same. Since then only one, Adrian VI in the 16th century, has kept his baptism name. In 2013, Argentine Jorge Bergoglio became the first pope to take the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century mystic who renounced his wealth and devoted his life to the poor. Bookmakers had been betting he would call himself Leo – which means lion. While some names are associated with peace or theological brilliance, others have more controversial connotations. There has not been a pope called Celestine since the name was taken in 1294 by a hermit, who was elected against his wishes and resigned from the post after five months. He was immortalised by the Italian poet Dante, who placed him in Hell for his 'great refusal'. Francis's predecessor Benedict XVI also stepped down, so plumping for Benedict XVII or Celestine VI might spark speculation about an eventual resignation. Orgies, necromancy While popes in the first few centuries were called anything from Zachary to Adeodatus or Victor, from the 16th century onwards the same names have been circulating – Clement, Gregory, Pius, Paul, Benedict – and it is likely to be one of those, or a composite name. John Paul I was the first in 1978 to bring two papal names together, to honour those who led the Roman Catholic Church during the Second Vatican Council, and John Paul II upheld the tribute when his predecessor died after just 33 days as pope. Those aspiring to emulate Francis's charismatic leadership might call themselves John Paul III – or even just John, after 'Good Pope John' XXIII, who called the Second Vatican Council and declared it his mission to open up the Church to the world. While the name Pius might appear at first to have the right connotations, the last pope to go by it, Pius XII, was nicknamed 'Hitler's Pope' by his detractors because of what they said was his silence during the Holocaust in World War II. Gregory and Alexander also have unfortunate associations: Gregory VII, elected in 1073, was accused of necromancy and using a bed of nails to torture those who crossed him. Alexander VI, a member of the wealthy Borgia family, was renowned for throwing wild orgies inside the papal palace. One of the most bizarre popes of all time was ninth-century Stephen VII, who despised his predecessor Formosus so much that he had his rotting body dug up, dressed in papal robes and put on trial for occupying the papacy illegally. Formosus was found guilty, the fingers he used to give blessings were chopped off and his body tossed in the river Tiber – an ungracious end which makes it unlikely that anyone will choose the name Formosus II, regardless of whether or not the trial was fair. It would be a brave man who named himself Peter II. The name is considered off limits out of respect for the Church's first pope and, according to a prophecy attributed to a 12th-century saint, the next Peter's pontificate will bring the destruction of Rome and kick off the Apocalypse. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
South China Morning Post
06-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
How new pope's chosen name will signal change or continuity in Vatican's 2,000-year history
The first clue of the next pope's direction will be the name the winner chooses. Advertisement The announcement 'Habemus Papam' – 'We have a pope' – from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica is followed first by the revelation of the new pontiff's baptismal name, in Latin, followed by his papal name, wrought with meaning. A Pope Francis II would signify continuity with the late pontiff's pastoral legacy and his prioritising of the marginalised. Francis himself quipped that his successor would be John XXIV, after the progressive Vatican II-era pope. The most popular papal name of the 20th century, Pius, would be a clear signal that a traditionalist is taking back the throne of St. Peter. 'In the deepest recesses of their mind, when they start the conclave, everyone will walk in there with a name in their head,' said Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan University. 02:54 What is a conclave and how does it pick a new pope? What is a conclave and how does it pick a new pope? History of papal names For most of the Catholic Church's first millennium, popes used their given names. The first exception was the 6th century Roman Mercurius, who had been named for a pagan god and chose the more appropriate name of John II.
