The new pope has an important decision to make after accepting the position: What will his name be? His choice will offer one of the first signals of the direction his pontificate might take.
There are no set rules, though popes tend to look to history and select a name with personal meaning. They often honor a saint or a past pope they admire, or pick a name that is important to their family.
Francis was the first pope to honor St. Francis of Assisi, whose devotion to humility and care for the poor became central tenets of his papacy. John Paul II picked his name as a tribute to his predecessor, John Paul I, who died after only 33 days in office.
The tradition of selecting a name dates to 533, when a priest named Mercurius — like the Roman god Mercury — was elected pope. Popes had previously been called by their given names, but Mercurius was most likely seen as too pagan, so he became John II.
Choosing the name of another pope could be a nod to that earlier pontiff’s priorities. For example, a John Paul III might focus on doctrinal discipline and social justice, while a Pius XIII might hew closer to tradition. A John XXIV would most likely be seen as a reformist.
The new pope’s name will be announced in Latin from the papal balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France, the senior cardinal deacon of the Roman Catholic Church, soon after he declares “Habemus papam,” or “We have a pope.”
Patricia Mazzei is the lead reporter for The Times in Miami, covering Florida and Puerto Rico.
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