What is the historical origin of popes changing their names?
The tradition of popes changing their names dates back to the first pope, St. Peter—originally Simon—whom Jesus renamed in The Bible. However, it wasn’t until 533 that Mercurius became Pope John II, likely to distance himself from his pagan-associated name and align with the values of John I, his martyred predecessor.
According to Catholic scholar Jimmy Akin, in his book Pope Names, it was uncommon for popes to adopt new names in the first millennium. “Aside from St. Peter and John II, there were only three more men before 996 who took a new name–all choosing John,” he writes.
When did the tradition of papal name changes become standard practice?
The practice became widespread in the 10th century, when Bruno of Carinthia became Gregory V in 996. From then on, Akin writes, taking a new name symbolized personal transformation and the new pope’s intentions. Roman numerals helped distinguish each pope from predecessors with the same name. Pope Marcellus II, in 1555, was the last pope to keep his birth name (he would only serve for 22 days).
Are there any rules or guidelines for choosing a papal name?
While no formal rules exist for selecting a papal name, tradition is key. Upon election, the pope is immediately asked to declare his chosen name, the first public indication of his vision for his papacy. According to the Universi Dominici Gregis, the Church’s official rules for the vacancy and election of a pope, the Cardinal Dean asks the newly elected pope, “'Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?' And, as soon as he has received the consent, he asks him: 'By what name do you wish to be called?'”
In his book Popes and the Tale of Their Names, Anura Guruge notes that while a new pope can keep his birth name, use a variant or choose a new one, the decision is personal.
What are some notable examples of papal name changes?
A new papal name is often symbolic. According to Guruge, Albino Luciani became John Paul I in 1978, the first pope to name himself a “first” and combine the names of his two immediate predecessors. His papacy, lasting only 33 days, was followed by Pope John Paul II, who honored him by adopting the same name. Catholic.com adds that John XXIII chose his name in 1958 in tribute to his father, and Pius XII’s name suggested he would continue the work of Pius XI, elected in 1922.
In 2013, Jorge Bergoglio chose Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, highlighting his commitment to serving the poor. He is among 44 popes whose names have been used just once. Before Francis, no new papal names had been introduced since 918, according to uCatholic.com. John is the most popular papal name, used by 21 popes, followed by Gregory (16), Benedict (15) and Clement (14).
Are any names off-limits?
The name Peter is notably avoided out of reverence for the apostle and first pope. According to Catholic.com, while there are no official restrictions, avoiding comparisons with St. Peter is an unwritten rule. This is evident in the case of Pietro Canepanova, elected pope in 983, who became John XIV to avoid direct association, Akin notes.
