2006-10-16 17:54:52 · 3 answers · asked by auntfran8 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They don't. For the first few centuries, they didn't. Then a guy named Mercury got elected and decided that would not be a cool papal name so he changed it. A few popes later it became the tradition. Now it would seem odd if they didn't. It gives them a chance to be symbolic.
2006-10-16 18:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by skepsis 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, changing names has a significant meaning to it.
It all started long time ago. When Abram was named Abraham.
With regards to the Pope, I would rather refer to Jesus naming the first Pope from Cephas to Peter.
So, it's about rebirth and renewal of one's life. Life has suddenly change when you decide to follow Christ. Or decided to do what God wants you to do (e.g. in the case of Abraham sacrificing Isaac).
Sometimes, there are so much pain and life pressures pressing on us. I recall Christ's words of wisdom "Only by prayer and fasting...."
So, what do you say to THE next change in your life?
2006-10-19 07:38:30 · answer #2 · answered by frankenstein3000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They did use their own names for awhile. The idea of a name change when something exceptional happens is rooted in the Scriptures. Christ changed Peters name, God changed Abraham's name, etc. People choose Christian names when they are Baptized, Christians choose Saints names when they are Confirmed.
2006-10-20 22:58:35 · answer #3 · answered by Br. Rich OFS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋