2007-12-27 08:13:30 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Maybe, but the cardinals, respectufully, would advise him otherwise.
2007-12-27 08:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by Darth Eugene Vader 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
On being elected the Pope is asked by what name he would like to be known. He could certainly suggest Bozo if he wishes, however as his name will be remembered in perpetuity he is unlikely to call himself anything to invite derision. Using a traditional name from an illustrious line of similarly named Popes is always a safe bet.
Incidentally the 1st Pope was reputed to have been selected by Jesus who told him to change his name to Peter. Subsequent Popes haven't been selected by anyone quite as illustrious and, therefore, no Pope has been named Peter since.
2007-12-27 08:30:12 · answer #2 · answered by paulcop99 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pope Bozo the First has a nice ring to it.
2007-12-27 08:20:45 · answer #3 · answered by magix151 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Pretty much.
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.
2007-12-27 15:49:06 · answer #4 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. If they choose a name, it is typically the name of a saint. I've never heard of a St. Bozo.
2007-12-27 08:17:08 · answer #5 · answered by Lady Astarte 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes he could, though it would never happen. Benedict is not the pope's real name.
2007-12-27 08:17:50 · answer #6 · answered by Stoner 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I believe it has to be after a Saint, or a combination of Saints names.
2007-12-27 08:17:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
He probably could, but "Bozo" doesn't exactly inspire religious devotion.
2007-12-27 08:18:56 · answer #8 · answered by sarah v 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
He has to be named after a saint.
2007-12-27 08:21:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
To be officially proclaimed, it must first be rendered in Latin.
2007-12-27 08:22:13 · answer #10 · answered by skepsis 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋