The choice of a name by the Pope is one of the first and most important actions of a new pontiff, setting the ideological vector of his ministry. The choice of a name has a deep historical, spiritual and political meaning – from the first pages of Christianity to today’s global challenges.
As the white smoke rises over the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St Peter’s ring, the world stands still in anticipation. The Cardinal Deacon proclaims the sacramental words: Habemus Papam – “We have a Pope”. But no less significant than the election itself is the name the new pontiff chooses for his ministry. This choice is not just a formality, but a powerful signal of the intentions, priorities and vision of the Catholic Church’s future.
Name as a mirror of intentions
The tradition of changing one’s name dates back to the sixth century, when Pope John II abandoned his birth name Mercury, which was associated with a pagan god. Since then, only a few pontiffs have kept the names they received at baptism. Although not officially binding, the name change has become a symbolic act reflecting the spiritual mission of the new pope.
For example, when Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Francis in 2013 in honour of St Francis of Assisi, it sent a clear message: his pontificate would be dedicated to peace, care for the poor and environmental protection. This choice defined him as the “Pope of the common people”, whose actions – from giving up luxury apartments to active peacemaking – are in keeping with his chosen name.
What is avoided and what is chosen
Some names are actually under an unspoken ban. For example, no pope will choose the name Peter II out of respect for the Apostle Peter, who is considered the first pope, and because of an ancient prophecy that the pope with that name will be the last. The name Urban is associated with the persecution of Galileo Galilei, and Pius with the controversial reputation of Pius XII due to his position during World War II.
Instead, among the possible names for future pontiffs may be:
– Leon – in honour of Leo XIII, who championed social justice and workers’ rights;
– St Innocent is a symbol of the fight against corruption and the pursuit of moral purity;
– Gelasius, Victor or Miltiad are the names of the first non-Italian popes of African descent, which can underline the global character of the modern Church.
Names that have left a mark on history
The most popular name in the history of the papacy is John – he was elected 21 times, although due to errors in numbering, there were curiosities, such as the “antipopes”. Next come Gregory (16 times) and Benedict (15 times). Pope Francis is unique in that he is the first pontiff in more than a millennium to choose a completely new name that has not been used before.
Every name choice has a historical context. For example, John Paul II, by choosing a double name, honoured his predecessors and emphasised his connection to the Second Vatican Council, which reformed the Church. Benedict XVI, by his choice, indicated his desire to return to traditional values, associating himself with Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism.
How the world will know the new name
After the conclave votes, the name of the new pope is announced in Latin. The baptismal name is adapted to the Latin form, while the surname is retained in the original language. For example, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was proclaimed as Giorgium Marium Bergoglio, and the new name, Franciscum, sounded like the culmination of a historic moment.
The announcement ceremony is not only a religious but also a media phenomenon. Hundreds of thousands of people in St Peter’s Square and billions in front of their screens are waiting to find out what the new head of the Catholic Church will be called and what this choice will mean for the world.
Name as a harbinger of the future
In today’s world, where the Catholic Church faces the challenges of secularisation, interfaith dialogue and global crises, the choice of the Pope’s name is even more important. Will the next pontiff be a second Francis, continuing the emphasis on the environment and social justice? Or will he choose a name that honours African or Asian saints, emphasising the Church’s growing influence in these regions?
Whatever the choice, the name of the new pope will remain not only a symbol but also a guide for his pontificate. It will reflect how the Church will respond to the challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to interreligious peace. So, the next time Habemus Papam is chanted, the world will be listening closely not only to the name, but also to what it promises.
Author: Katerina Bogdanenko
