Once a new pope is voted in, the name he chooses could signal the direction the Catholic Church moves in the coming years.
On the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the phrase “Habemus Papa,” which translates to “We have a pope,” will be declared. This announcement will include the new pope’s baptismal name in Latin, as well as the papal name he has chosen and its significance.
If the new pope selects the name Pope Francis II, it might indicate a desire to continue the pastoral legacy of the former pontiff. However, Francis humorously suggested that his successor might instead choose the name John XXIV, after the papal leader from the time of Vatican II.
During the 20th century, the name Pius was the most favored among popes. Opting for this name could suggest that a traditionalist intends to reestablish traditional values in the leadership of St. Peter’s.
Pope Francis releases a dove after a meeting with other religious leaders at the Pontifical Basilica of St Nicholas in Bari in the Apulia region in southern Italy on July 7, 2018. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
Benedict, who was elected in 2005, was chosen because he wanted to pay homage to Benedict XV, who led the Catholic Church during World War I and dedicated himself to healing the rifts of war.
John Paul chose his name, signaling a commitment to reforms, including the sidelining of the Latin Mass in favor of local languages and other faiths, most significantly Judaism.
But it is still a new pope’s choice to choose a name never used before.
“This would open a new season and could mean that his program is not in line with any of his predecessors, so an even more personalized program,” Regoli said.
Imperatori-Lee suggested another name that might signal a continuation of Francis’ legacy: Ignatius, for the founder of Francis’ Jesuit order.
“It would be interesting,” she said. “We’ve never had one of those.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
