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Selecting a Pope's Name: The Process of Leo XIV's Moniker Choice

Newly appointed popes frequently select a name that reflects their admiration or familial relationship, either intellectual or moral, with a previous pope they wish to honor.

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Newly crowned popes frequently select a name that symbolizes their admiration or spiritual and...
Newly crowned popes frequently select a name that symbolizes their admiration or spiritual and intellectual kinship with a previous pontiff.

Selecting a Pope's Name: The Process of Leo XIV's Moniker Choice

In the heart of Vatican City on the 8th of May, Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from the States, was crowned as Pope Leo XIV - the 267th ruler of the Catholic Church. Announcing himself to the world from St. Peter's Basilica's balcony was his first official act as pope, an act steeped in a millennium-old tradition that sets the tone for the upcoming pontificate[3].

Discover the latest news and reactions to the election of Pope Leo XIV!

The act of picking his own name became a grand tradition, and Pope Leo XIV couldn't take it lightly. The Dean of the College of Cardinals inquired in Latin, "By what name do you wish to be called?" The cardinal protonotary, in this case, Dominique Mamberti from Corsica[3], would announce the new pope's name on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica[2]. The choice could either express admiration for a past pope, signify continuity, or signal a break from tradition.

The first pope to abandon his name was Mercure in 533, who replaced it with a name that resonated better with Christian values - John, one of Christ's apostles. This precedent opened the door for future popes to alter their names. Only Adrian VI kept his baptismal name during this span[3].

Interpreting the choice of papal name

John remains the most commonly used name for popes, followed by Benedict, Gregory, Clement, Innocent, Leo, and Pius. The choice of a papal name can signal a connection to a predecessor, or it may serve as a statement setting the direction the pope wishes to steer the Church.

Newly elected popes adopting a predecessor's name often express gratitude or recognize a moral or intellectual lineage[2]. The choice can also reflect the pope's aspirations for his pontificate, depending on whether he opts for a name associated with a conservative or progressive pope[1]. In 2013, Pope Francis created quite a stir by choosing Francis, a nod to the 13th-century defender of the poor.

Bookmakers had bet on Leo, and they proved correct. By choosing this name, Pope Leo XIV followed in the footsteps of Leo XIII (1878-1903)[2]. Some experts believe he might also be paying homage to Leo I, a pope that navigated turbulent times surrounding the decline of the Roman Empire[2]. Only time will reveal the reasons behind Pope Leo XIV's choice.

Like his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV could have chosen a name based on personal motivations, family ties, or spiritual influences[1]. However, specialists advise against overinterpreting the choice, as popes often pick a name to honor a saint or a family member[1].

Names with questionable reputations

Peter II, known as the first Pope, is respected and, consequently, no pope has shown interest in bearing that name to avoid invoking prophecies of Rome's destruction and the Apocalypse. Formosus is another name avoided due to negative connotations. An exhumed Pope of Corsican origin bearing the name in the 9th century faced trials instigated by his successor, Stephen VII, who loathed him. Subsequent condemnation of Formosus led to the cutting off of his fingers, giving the blessing, and his body's disposal in the Tiber[3].

Certain names have acquired negative reputations due to the personalities of the popes associated with them: Pius XII, criticized for his silence during the Holocaust, Gregory VII, accused of necromancy, and Alexander VI, infamous for his debauchery[3].

  1. Pope Leo XIV, despite hailing from the United States, chose the name Leo symbolically, following in the footsteps of Leo XIII who served as pope from 1878 to 1903.
  2. In 2013, Pope Francis adopted the name Francis, a nod to the 13th-century defender of the poor, setting a direction for his pontificate associated with progressiveness.
  3. The papal name Formosus, due to negative connotations from historical trials and condemnation, is a name that modern popes have avoided to avoid any potential prophecies of Rome's downfall.
  4. The choice of a papal name can serve as a statement setting the direction the pope wishes to steer the Church, whether honoring a conservative or progressive predecessor, or merely honoring a saint or family member.

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