New pope name speculation stirs with hint from Francis
Before the conclave starting on Wednesday, one topic of speculation is the name choice by the new pope. This decision is always personal. In 2023, however, Pope Francis indicated the name of the next pope.
What do you need to know?
- The cardinals will enter the conclave on May 7 at 10:30 a.m. ET. After listening to Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa's conference, they will proceed to elect the new pope. The first vote will take place later that same day.
- Pope Francis suggested the name John XXIV during a conversation with journalists in September 2023, sparking speculation.
- Traditionally chosen names include Pius, Gregory, John, Benedict, Innocent, Leo, and Clement, but no pope has taken the name Peter.
During a flight from Mongolia to Rome in September 2023, Pope Francis was asked by journalists if he plans to visit Vietnam. He replied that if he himself does not go, John XXIV certainly will.
This sparked discussions about the possibility of his successor taking the name John.
The newly elected Bishop of Rome, immediately after the conclave election, must answer the question asked in Latin: "Quo nomine vis vocari?" ("By what name do you wish to be called?").
Among Vatican watchers and commentators, there is a belief that the selection of the name Francis II by the 267th pope is unlikely.
In the past, popes most frequently chose names such as: Pius, Gregory, John, Benedict, Innocent, Leo, and Clement. It is possible that the new pope will decide on one of these names.
Among the papal names, names such as Joseph, James, Andrew, and Luke are missing, and no bishop of Rome has chosen the name Peter, the first pope, as noted by Vatican News.
The pope's name as continuation
The portal also reminds that John Paul I, elected in August 1978, was the first to choose a double name, referring to his predecessors: John XXIII and Paul VI. Just two months later, after another conclave, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla took the name John Paul II.
Such decisions are an expression of the will for continuity, as was the case in 2005 when Joseph Ratzinger took the name Benedict XVI, referring to Benedict XV, who led the Church during World War I.
