What's in a name? How popes pick their names, and other papal name oddities

Michie · Monday at 9:37 AM

More than you ever wanted to know about the history of pope names.

When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope in 2013, he stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with a shy wave and never-before-seen name to add to the papal roster: Francis.

It was the first time in over 1,000 years - since Pope Lando in 914 - that a pope had chosen a unique regnal name, different than all of his predecessors.

(While Pope John Paul I, who reigned as pope for a brief 33 days in 1978, was the first doubly-named pope, he named himself after his recent predecessors, Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI, so he doesn’t count, according to us).

The late Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, chose his papal name after St. Francis of Assisi, whom the pontiff admired for his simplicity and love of the poor and love of God’s creation. Since Francis’ death on April 21 — and with an upcoming conclave starting Wednesday — internet popewatchers have speculated about what might be the name chosen by a new pope.

The Pillar talked with experts in Church history and papal names about how popes choose their names and why, the papal name that will probably never be chosen, and other papal name trends and anomalies throughout history.

How do popes choose their names?

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