Why does the pope?

Question

Why does the pope have to change his name once he is elected?

Answer 1

He probably does not have to but most have done it out of tradition.

They select a name that will signify something of their time as Pope.

Pope John Paul I wanted to show that he would continue the work of Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI.

Even Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter which means "rock."

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

tradition