Pope Names: A Millennium of Tradition and Symbolism
Kingdom's Name Signifies Symbolic Decision
From Peter to Clement, passing through Hilarius and Simplicius, the names of the popes throughout the centuries echo the rich history of the papacy. The newly elected pope from the conclave chooses a regnal name, often with a specific purpose or meaning.
Francis I: A Radical Departure
In 2013, Jorge Bergoglio caused a splash by choosing the name Francis, making him the first to be named after St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century defender of the poor, who was quickly nicknamed "The Other Christ" after his death in 1226. His choice signaled a profound shift, aligning himself with a saint who embodied a revolutionary change in Christianity.
The tradition of adopting a new regnal name can be traced back to the 6th century, when the newly elected Pope Mercurius abandoned his pagan-infused Roman name for the more appropriate Christian name John, citing Jesus's change of Simon Peter's name as precedent.
A Homage or a Fresh Start?
In contemporary history, popes often select a name that alludes to a predecessor or a family member, symbolizing a continuation of their work or a clean slate. John Allen, a Vaticanist, notes that this choice can also reflect the direction the pope intends his pontificate to take, whether he gravitates towards conservative or progressive theology.
For example, Pope Benedict XVI took the name in reference to Pope Benedict XV, who guided the church through World War I, while John Paul II sought to inscribe himself in the line of his predecessor John Paul I, who died just 33 days after his election.
However, according to Allen, it's crucial not to overinterpret the choice by a pope, as they may opt for a name to honor a family member or a saint.
The Elusive Peter II
Surprisingly, no pope has ever been named Peter II. There are speculations that this tradition is a tribute to the profound respect for St. Peter as the first pope and the alleged founder of the Roman Catholic Church. Moreover, the belief in a second Peter leading to the destruction of Rome and triggering the Apocalypse may also play a role in the avoidance of the name.
Formosus is another name that is seldom chosen, due to the controversial legacy of the only pope to bear it, who was exhumed, judged, and condemned by his successor in the 9th century.
Names with a Darker Reputation
There are certain names that have acquired negative connotations due to the actions or scandals associated with the popes who bore them. Pius XII, for example, is criticized for his silence during the Holocaust, while Gregory VII was accused of necromancy. Alexander VI, a Borgia pope, was known for his debauchery.
In over two thousand years of the papacy, the most common name is John, followed by Benedict, Gregory, Clement, Innocent, Leo, and Pius. Interestingly, despite the profound historical significance of St. Peter, no pope has chosen the name Peter II, preserving his unique position in the history and theology of the Roman Catholic Church.
- In the tradition of adopting a new regnal name, the election of a pope can signify a continuation of work or a fresh start, as seen by popes who choose names that allude to previous popes or family members.
- In the 6th century, Pope Mercurius, abandoning his pagan-infused Roman name, adopted the Christian name John, citing Jesus's change of Simon Peter's name as precedent.
- The name Peter II has never been used by a pope, with possible reasons being the profound respect for St. Peter as the first pope and the alleged founder of the Roman Catholic Church, and the belief in a second Peter leading to the destruction of Rome and triggering the Apocalypse.
- Certain popes, such as Pius XII, Gregory VII, and Alexander VI, have acquired negative connotations due to the actions or scandals associated with them, casting a darker shadow on their regnal names.
