I don't know for certain, but I suspect it's a symbolic thing to signify a change from their previous life to their new office. Up to this point, he was one among many, but now he is unique. It's complicated, but you could make a good argument from a Catholic perspective that becoming pope, the man has to make the ultimate self-sacrifice and totally lose his identity in order to assume the office and speak Ex Cathedra.
Popes traditionally take on a new name upon election to symbolize a new beginning and their intended direction as the new leader of the Catholic Church. This tradition began in the 6th century when Pope John II, who was named Mercury, chose the name John II to avoid association with the pagan Roman god Mercury. Since then, it has become a symbolic act signifying a personal transformation and a fresh start for the new pope's mission.
Here's a more detailed look at the reasons and history:
Symbolic New Beginning:
The new name represents a fresh start in the papacy, a clear departure from the previous pope's reign.
Honoring Previous Popes or Saints:
Often, popes choose names of previous popes or saints they admire and wish to emulate, demonstrating continuity or a specific direction.
Indicating Intentions:
The name chosen can also serve as a statement about the new pope's priorities or theological approach, signaling a desire for change or a commitment to a particular legacy.
Humility and Commitment:
Some argue that the tradition reflects humility, as the newly elected pope is stepping into a role that requires great dedication and service.
Historical Roots:
The practice of adopting a new name dates back to the 6th century with Pope John II, whose name was Mercury.
Not a Strict Rule:
While common, there's no written rule requiring popes to change their names, and some early popes kept their given names.
'Leo' looks like comms to me both historically and astronomically. Look at Leo XIII born 2MAR1810, in office 20FEB1878 –20JUL903 (25 years, 150 days); original name Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_XIII
French citizen of Italian ethnicity, later becoming a subject of the Papal States and finally an Italian citizen. Issued the encyclical Rerum novarum (1891), supporting Christian democracy against Communism. Third-longest reigning pope after Pius IX and John Paul II, excluding Peter. Promoted the rosary and scapular. Approved two new Marian scapulars; first pope to completely embrace the concept of Mary as a mediatrix. First pope to be filmed using motion picture camera (1898) and first pope with voice recorded. Oldest verified pope in office.
Leo XIII was very much a Pope of the common man. Popes usually take the name of a man they wish to model their Papacy after. We'll see.
In 1999, he was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians. A year into the role, he permitted a priest who sexually abused minors to live in a Chicago rectory half a block from a Catholic school, at the archdiocese’s request.
In 2014, Pope Francis named him apostolic administrator of the Chiclayo diocese, bringing him back to northwestern Peru. A year later, Prevost became bishop of the diocese that covers one of Peru’s biggest cities, as well as shantytowns and rural areas.
Individuals in the Chiclayo diocese would later accuse Prevost of failing in 2022 to open an investigation into their accusations of abuse against two priests. The diocese vigorously denied the claim when the cases made international headlines in 2024.
Why do they change their names; I'm truly curious.
I don't know for certain, but I suspect it's a symbolic thing to signify a change from their previous life to their new office. Up to this point, he was one among many, but now he is unique. It's complicated, but you could make a good argument from a Catholic perspective that becoming pope, the man has to make the ultimate self-sacrifice and totally lose his identity in order to assume the office and speak Ex Cathedra.
Could be wrong though.
No, I think you are correct. Thanks.
The room they go to when selected to pick their name and put on the white robes is called the Room of Tears (Stanza delle Lacrime) in this same vein.
Do you know if they can turn the job down and remain a cardinal or is it more of forced volunteering?
Popes traditionally take on a new name upon election to symbolize a new beginning and their intended direction as the new leader of the Catholic Church. This tradition began in the 6th century when Pope John II, who was named Mercury, chose the name John II to avoid association with the pagan Roman god Mercury. Since then, it has become a symbolic act signifying a personal transformation and a fresh start for the new pope's mission. Here's a more detailed look at the reasons and history: Symbolic New Beginning: The new name represents a fresh start in the papacy, a clear departure from the previous pope's reign. Honoring Previous Popes or Saints: Often, popes choose names of previous popes or saints they admire and wish to emulate, demonstrating continuity or a specific direction. Indicating Intentions: The name chosen can also serve as a statement about the new pope's priorities or theological approach, signaling a desire for change or a commitment to a particular legacy. Humility and Commitment: Some argue that the tradition reflects humility, as the newly elected pope is stepping into a role that requires great dedication and service. Historical Roots: The practice of adopting a new name dates back to the 6th century with Pope John II, whose name was Mercury. Not a Strict Rule: While common, there's no written rule requiring popes to change their names, and some early popes kept their given names.
More:
https://www.history.com/articles/pope-name-change
Thanks, very interesting.
Pope Bob would've been pretty cool though... and VERY American.
Love it!!!
'Leo' looks like comms to me both historically and astronomically. Look at Leo XIII born 2MAR1810, in office 20FEB1878 –20JUL903 (25 years, 150 days); original name Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_XIII
Leo XIII was very much a Pope of the common man. Popes usually take the name of a man they wish to model their Papacy after. We'll see.
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/meet-the-conclave-cardinal-robert
Im still looking for corroboration.
Rerum Novarum is all about redistribution of wealth...
I wondered if there may be comms involved. Very interesting. Thanks.
Leo XIII also composed the St. Michael prayer, referenced by Q in drop 109. This prayer was also shared by Trump himself. Could be comms.
Fun fact, there isn't really a rule to what your name has to be. You could choose Pope Kekimus Maximus and it would probably slide. Maybe.