Experts in the history of the Catholic Church are speculating about the name that the next Pope might choose and what it would mean. According to Natalia Imperatori-Lee, director of religious studies at Manhattan College, papal names are a way of indicating the direction the papacy will take.
For most of the first millennium, popes used their first names. John was the most popular, followed by Benedict XVI and Gregory. However, since the 20th century, popes have begun to choose names that reflect their goals. Even now, as we await the new Pope, the name he chooses will be key to understanding his approach.
Some papal names have fallen out of use, such as Urban or Innocent, due to negative connotations. The choice of the new papal name is the first clue about the direction the Vatican will take with the new pontiff.
The practice of adopting a new name took root in the 11th century and reflects a desire for continuity and change in the papacy. New popes would often choose the name of the pope who had elevated them to the cardinalate. According to historian Roberto Regoli, the papal name is now a symbol of both tradition and change in the Catholic Church.
If the new Pope chooses a name never used before, as Francis did, it could indicate a more personalized and unique papal agenda. Additionally, the papal name can signal continuity with the legacy of previous pontiffs, as in the case of Ignatius, suggested by Imperatori-Lee as a way to honor the founder of the Jesuit order. Each papal name has its own history and significance that sheds light on the priorities and approaches of the pontiff.
In summary, the papal name of the next Pope will be more than a personal choice: it will be a symbol of the future direction of the Catholic Church under his leadership. Papal names reflect the history, tradition, and vision of each Pope, and are an integral part of the rich history of the Catholic Church.
