US EditionWhy do popes choose different names and what could the name of the new pope be?
- Popes traditionally choose new names shortly after election, announcing them publicly from St. Peter's Basilica with the phrase 'Habemus Papam'.
- This practice began with Pope John II , who changed his name from Mercurius to avoid pagan associations, and became common after the 10th century when Peter Canepanova became John XIV.
- Papal names carry symbolic weight, linking new popes to historical figures or ideals, such as Pope Francis honoring St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Benedict XVI referencing St. Benedict and Benedict XV.
- Experts like Liam Temple suggest potential names for future popes may include Leo or Innocent to signal reform, while names like Urban or Peter are unlikely due to historical controversies and longstanding tradition.
- Choosing a papal name affects perceptions of the new pontificate and continues a centuries-old tradition that shapes the pope’s identity and message to the Church and world.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?
44 Articles
44 Articles
All
Left
4
Center
16
Right
3
What’s in a Name? The Significance of Papal Monikers
Like Pope Francis, the next pope could choose a saint who hasn’t been honored by a papal name. Or, they could choose to honor a previous pope. PROSPECT HEIGHTS — As Pope Francis recounted, when he received the 77 votes he needed to become pope on March 13, 2013, his close friend Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes hugged him, kissed him, and said, ‘Don’t forget the poor.’ ” With those words in mind, he explained to journalists days later that he…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources44
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
L 17%
C 70%
13%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
