- “Everyone enters the conclave with their chosen papal name” – assure the experts
- Only from the mid -twentieth century new popes began to choose names signaling the purpose of their pontificate.
- Karol Wojtyła took the name John Paul II to honor his predecessor
- The new pope chosen in the May conclave can choose a name that has never been used before, as Franciszek did
- You can find more such articles on the Onet's main page
In the film “Conclave”, which talks about the selection of the pope, one of the threads is devoted to the name that a given cardinal will take after the possible indication of his name by the others. In a fictitious story based on the novel by Robert Harris, it turns out that everyone (without exception) from the participants in the conclave has already prepared a papal name. Experts ensure that this is also the case at the “real” gathering of cardinals choosing the Pope.
Double papal name. So far only twice
-assures Natalia Imperatori-Lee from the Department of Religious Studies at Manhattan College in a statement for Associated Press.
Karol Wojtyła took the name John Paul II to honor his predecessorwho died after only 33 days of the pontificate. On the other hand John Paul I was the first pope who chose a double name. He did it in honor of his two predecessors – John XXIII and Paul VI. Thus, he also set the direction of his pontificate, which was to be a continuation of their program.
The successor of the Polish Pope chose the name Benedict XVI. He explained that he referred to Benedict XV, who sought peace during World War I, and to St. Benedict for his contribution to the construction of Europe's Christian identity. Even before choosing a German, there were voices that persuaded that the new pope was the first to take the name Karol, which would be a tribute to Wojtyła.
Karol Wojtyła took the name John Paul II to honor his predecessor
Franciszek suggested the name of his successor
The last pope took the name Francis, referring to Saint. Francis of Assisi, which was supposed to focus his pontificate to deal with the problems of poor people. If the new pope chosen in the May conclave chose the name Franciszek II, it would be a signal that he wants to continue the path set by the deceased predecessor.
As the Associated Press Agency reminds, Sam Franciszek jokingly suggested that John XXIV could become his successorreferring to the progressive pope of the Second Vatican Council.
In the 20th century, the most popes (three) took the name Pius. The last was Pius XII, criticized for the lack of decisive actions and voice in defense of Jews and favoring the Nazis. The choice of such a name in 2025 would mean that a traditionalist would rule in the Vatican.
In the 20th century, the most popes (three) took the name Pius. The last was Pius XII
The first pope who did not use his name was in the 6th century Merkurius. Named in honor of the pagan God, he took the name of John II. For many centuries, new popes often took the name of the Pope, who took them to cardinal dignity. The name Jan (23) and Benedykt and Grzegorz (after 16) were most often chosen.
Will Ignacy be the new pope? “It would be interesting”
As the historian notes Fr. Roberto Regola from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, only from the mid -twentieth century, new popes began to choose names signaling the purpose of their pontificate.
– says in an interview with Associated Press.
Experts estimate that the new pope can choose a name that has never been used before, as Franciszek did.
– said the reggola.
However, Natalia Imperatori-Lee suggests name Ignacywhich could symbolically signal the continuation of the heritage of Pope Francis. It would be a reference to Ignacy Loyola, i.e. the founder of the Jesuit order, from which the Pope of Argentina, who died in April. “It would be interesting. There has never been one before” – says the expert
