Why the next Pope won't be called Peter
New name, new mission: A tradition of papal names explained
A picture of the apse in the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Don Jakub Nagi / Radio VIA
Daily TribuneNew name, new mission: A tradition of papal names explained
A picture of the apse in the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Don Jakub Nagi / Radio VIA
A visual timeline traces the rich tradition of papal name changes—from Saint Peter’s symbolic transformation in 30 AD to the groundbreaking choice of Pope Francis in 2013, and the anticipation surrounding the next Pope’s name in 2025.
Design by Carl Nagac, TDT
As the College of Cardinals gathers for the historic 2025 conclave, attention is turning not just to who will be elected—but what name he will choose.
According to a Vatican News report by journalist Lisa Zengarini, the first act of a newly elected Pope, right after accepting the role as Supreme Pontiff, is the selection of a name. This name is then formally announced with the iconic Latin phrase Habemus Papam.
The custom of changing one’s baptismal name upon election to the papacy dates back to the early days of Christianity. As Zengarini notes, it mirrors Saint Peter’s own transformation—from Simon to Peter—and symbolizes a kind of spiritual rebirth. The practice became widespread by the first millennium, with many early Popes changing their names due to pagan associations.
However, it wasn’t until 955 AD with Pope John XII that the name change became standard. Since then, 129 out of 266 Popes have adopted a new name upon ascending to the Holy See. Notably, Adrian VI (1522–1523) and Marcellus II (1555) were exceptions.
A Pope’s chosen name often signals either continuity or change. For instance, Popes who adopt the names of beloved predecessors—like John, Gregory, or Benedict—may be signaling admiration and alignment with those past pontificates. Others, like Pope Francis, may break entirely with tradition. Francis was the first Pope to take the name of the humble saint of Assisi, signaling a pastoral, reform-minded approach.
The name John holds the record, used 23 times, followed by Gregory (16 times), Benedict (16), and Pius (12). Pope Pius XII, elected in 1939, chose his name in honor of multiple predecessors and family ties, including the canonized Pius X. Some names, like Joseph, James, Andrew, and Luke, have never been chosen—nor has any Pope dared to call himself Peter II, out of reverence for the Church’s first pontiff.
In recent history, the Church has also seen double names. Pope John Paul I combined the names of John XXIII and Paul VI to highlight their shared legacy. His successor, John Paul II, continued that tribute.
Benedict XVI, formerly Joseph Ratzinger, explained in 2005 that he selected Benedict in reference to both Pope Benedict XV, a peace-seeking leader during World War I, and Saint Benedict of Nursia, the father of Western monasticism.
As the world watches the conclave unfold, the Pope’s future name will offer a clue—perhaps subtle, perhaps bold—about the direction he may lead the Catholic Church. Whatever name is chosen, it will carry centuries of meaning, symbolism, and hope.
(Source: Reports from Lisa Zengarini, Vatican News; Agence France-Presse)