how does the pope get his name???...?

Question

basics

Answer 1

No Pope is obligated to change his name. This is a pious tradition (not Sacred Tradition).

The practice arose when a pagan convert to Christianity became Pope and changed his name from Mercury (after the pagan Roman god) to John II in 533 C.E.

Until then, the Popes kept their original names, from Peter (#1) to Boniface II (#55).

Between John II (#56) and Sergius IV (#142) in 1009 C.E. only a few Popes changed their names.

But since Sergius IV, it has been common practice for all Popes to change their name when elected pontiff except Adrian VI and Marcellus II.

Pope Benedict XVI chose the name Benedict for several reasons. At his papal audience on April 27, 2005, he explained his motivations for adopting the name.

“I want to call myself Benedict XVI to bind myself to the venerated Pope Benedict XV, who guided the church in a troubled period because of the First World War. He was a courageous and authentic prophet of peace and worked with valiant courage first to prevent the drama of war and then to limit its nefarious consequences. In his footsteps, I want to place my ministry at the service of reconciliation and harmony among individuals and peoples, deeply convinced that the great good of peace is, first of all, a gift of God, a fragile and precious gift to invoke, safeguard and build day after day with the help of everyone.”

Benedict XVI also said he chose the name to evoke the spirit of Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism whose influence helped spread Christianity over Europe.

“St. Benedict is very venerated in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, my homeland. He is a basic point of reference for the unity of Europe and a strong reminder of the undeniable Christian roots of its culture and civilization.”

http://www.usccb.org/comm/popebenedictxvi/namebenedict.shtml
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12260a.htm

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

The man elected pope chooses his own papal name. The custom started long, long ago when a man named Peter was elected pope and he decided to change it so there would only be one Peter ever as pope (the first one, the Apostle Peter).

Pope Benedict XVI is a Benedictine Oblate, or a follower of "The Rule of St. Benedict." He also is a great admirer of Pope Benedict XIV (14th) who was pope during a time of unrest in Europe and helped bring about peace.

If I remember correctly, Pope John Paul I (two popes ago) chose his name to reflect his desire to unify the "Pope John XXIII" fans and the "Pope Paul IV" fans within the Church. I believe he only served for 33 days before he died, and then Pope John Paul II (the most recent pope before this one) decided to continue in the same vein.

Answer 3

He chooses it. Either because he likes the name, or wants to honor one of the former popes. I think John Paul II chose his name, in sort of a sign of respect to the first John Paul that died after being pope for 3 months.

Answer 4

When he is elected by the Conclave, he is asked two questions.

Will he accept the nomination?

By what will you be called?


Different names have different theological meanings. For example, it was a surprise with John XXIII, because the last John had been an "anti-pope"

Answer 5

the pope chooses what name he wants

Answer 6

He picks one he likes. This pope wanted "Wentworth Miller, I", but that was taken.

Answer 7

He chooses it?
God bless

Answer 8

ya pick a wicked sounding name and add a number on the end...

Answer 9

He chooses it