The history of the names of the Successors of Peter

Stories, meanings and statistics around the most chosen, least chosen or completely avoided

The history of the names of the Successors of Peter

A longstanding tradition has it that Popes change their names from their baptismal name, though it hasn’t always been the case, especially in the ...

Each time a conclave chooses a new Pope, two questions are asked: the first is if he accepts the office. If the answer is yes, he is asked to choose his name. The name is very important, because it represents how he wants to be known to the Church and the world. Throughout 266 Popes 81 names have been chosen. The most common one has been chosen 21 people: John. However, many remember John XXIII. The reason is that due to errors in numbering in t…

Once the cardinals have opted for a successor to Francis, the elect must determine a pope's name. Most of the time, this is one that other popes have already worn. Some are no longer eligible for it today. Pope Peter only existed once. Out of respect for the first pope and later also for fear, his successors renounced. Image: www.imago-images.deOnce the cardinals have opted for a successor to Francis, the elect must determine a pope's name. Usua…

John, Gregory, Bento and Clement are among the favorite choices of the new popes. Tradition refers to Jesus Christ, who changed the name of the fisherman Simon to Peter.

The name chosen by the newly elected pontiff is not a formality: it is his first decision as Pope, full of symbolism and historical resonance. When the world hears the words “Habemus Papam”, the moment not only announces a new leader for the Catholic Church, but also the birth of a new spiritual identity. The name chosen by the newly elected pontiff is not a formality: it is his first decision as Pope, loaded with symbolism and historical resona…