What’s in a papal name? Names new pope might choose
Titian’s painting of Pope Paul III in the Cathedral of Toledo, Spain. Photo: Gerald Farinas.
Apart from the sport of trying to figure out who will become the next bishop of Rome, among contenders called papabile, people are betting on what name the next pontiff will choose.
Be careful Presbyterians. It’s a sin to make bets on these matters.
A name change in light of spiritual circumstances has precedent in the New Testament—when Simon is named Peter by Jesus. The last pope to keep his birth name was Marcellus II way back in 1555.
In the pre-Reformation Church, it was common to get new names when a person received baptism and confirmation. Some people still do today.
While the selection of a papal name is deeply personal and symbolic, reflecting the new pope’s vision and priorities, historical patterns and the backgrounds of leading contenders offer some insights on what names might be chosen.
Leading contenders and potential papal names
Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy
A close confidante of Francis as Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in international relations.
Despite traditional views on cultural issues, after being appointed Secretary of State, he softened his tone and became more accepting of LGBTQ persons in the life of the Church.
Nonetheless, he’s still very orthodox on Church teachings.
Should Parolin be elected, he might choose the name Pius XIII, signaling a return to traditional values and continuity with past diplomatic endeavors.
Pius XII famously led the Church during World War II after being the lead diplomat to Nazi Germany.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines
Tagle was also a close confidante of Francis and is being called the “Asian Francis” by the media.
Known for his humility and connection with the laity—he sings karaoke and dances to pop music—Tagle could opt for John XXIV or Paul VII, honoring reformist predecessors and emphasizing a pastoral approach.
John XXIV was already a very old man when he was elected—hoping he would make no waves during his short term. He ended up starting the Second Vatican Council that introduced Reformed ideas to the Roman Church! Paul VII after him continued the modernization.
There are however cardinals in the Conclave who don’t like the Reformed ideas that were introduced during Vatican II.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy
A progressive figure aligned with Pope Francis’ vision, Zuppi might select Francis II, indicating a desire to continue the previous pope’s reforms and focus on social justice.
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana
Advocate for environmental issues and social equity, Turkson could choose Benedict XVII, reflecting a commitment to intellectual tradition and ecological concerns.
The German Benedict XVI was not so much a pastoral pope but rather a professor obsessed with theology and philosophy who ended up as bishop of Rome.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Italy
He already has a cool memorable name with Pizzaballa. But it’s unlikely he’ll keep it.
With deep roots in interfaith dialogue, especially in the Middle East where he serves as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa might select Gregory XVII, symbolizing unity and reconciliation among diverse religious communities.
Interestingly, there is a strange prophecy attributed to St. Malachy of Armagh (died 1148) that the election of a pope named Peter would be the last of the popes.
Pizzaballa’s first name Pierbattista literally means Peter John the Baptist in English.
Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary
A man who showed open disdain for Francis as being too liberal when it came to LGBTQ people, among other things, is a leading contender for the papacy.
A respected canon lawyer and theologian, Erdő could opt for Leo XIV, denoting a scholarly and doctrinally focused papacy.
Leo XIII (died 1903) was one of the longest reigning popes. Orthodox Catholics view him as a pope who ruled when Catholicism didn’t “give in to modernity.”
In other words, “Make the Vatican Great Again?”
Historical context and naming traditions
Historically, popes have chosen names that honor previous pontiffs or saints whose legacies they wish to emulate.
For instance, Pope John Paul II combined the names of his immediate predecessors, while Pope Francis chose his name to reflect humility and a commitment to the poor, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi.
Given this tradition, the next pope’s chosen name will likely provide insight into the direction he intends to lead the Church, whether that be a continuation of Pope Francis’ progressive reforms or a return to more traditional doctrines.
The conclave is set to begin on May 7, 2025, and until the white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, all remains in the realm of informed speculation.
In the end
As the Rev. James J. Martin, S.J. said about all the speculation going on, in the end no one really knows.
All the guessing of who will be bishop of Rome and what name he’ll take should just be left to the Holy Spirit—and don’t take the prognostications so seriously.
Knowing what you know now, what papal name would you choose for yourself?
