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Ed. Note 5/6/25 2:00 p.m. ET: The new pope is Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American whose choice is seen as a major surprise. He has chosen the name Leo XIV. Read about him here.
As the latest conclave unfolds behind closed doors in the Vatican, speculation is rife—not just about who will emerge as the Catholic Church's new spiritual leader, but also what name he will choose.
The practice of choosing a papal name is a centuries-old ritual – it sends an early, powerful signal about his priorities, vision, and the direction the Church may take.
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History of Papal Name-Choosing
The practice of papal name selection dates back centuries and is rooted in tradition, symbolism, and spiritual significance.
The custom became the standard in 955 with Pope John XII, according to Vatican News.
Earlier popes—including Saint Peter, born Simon—had already used names other than their birth names, although not always ceremonially. Over time, popes began choosing names to express admiration for previous pontiffs, to signal continuity, or to herald a new direction for the Church.
Of the 266 popes in history, 129 have chosen names different from their baptismal names.
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Most Popular Papal Names
Historically, popes have often chosen names that reflect continuity with revered predecessors. According to PopeHistory.com, the most common papal names have included:
- John: Chosen 23 times, this name has biblical and pastoral connotations.
- Gregory: Used 16 times, often linked to Gregory I, who strengthened papal authority.
- Benedict: Chosen 15 times, most recently by Benedict XVI in 2005.
- Clement and Innocent: Both have been used more than a dozen times (14 and 13 times respectively) indicating a long lineage of popes wanting to signal virtue or mercy.
These names are often reused because they evoke particular theological or historical legacies that cardinals might wish to continue.
Least Popular Papal Names
On the opposite end, several names have only been used once or twice—either because they are associated with less impactful pontificates or because they carry controversial legacies. Examples include:
- Lando: A one-time name from the 10th century.
- Hyginus, Telesphorus, and Eleutherius: Early Christian names that have not been reused.
- Theodore and Pelagius were only used twice.
- Urban and Formosus: Names tied to complicated or turbulent periods in Church history.
These less common names often fall out of favor because they lack the broader symbolic resonance that modern popes tend to prefer when launching a new pontificate.
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What Could the Next Papal Name Be?
"I think the choice of name is extremely important and will set the tone for the entire papacy," Karen Park, professor of theology and religious studies at St. Norbert College, told the National Catholic Register.
Two cardinals currently regarded as top contenders to succeed Pope Francis are Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy and Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle of the Philippines.
If Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, is elected, he may choose Paul VII, evoking Pope Paul VI, who championed diplomacy, international engagement, and the implementation of reforms proposed during the Second Vatican Council. The name would underscore a commitment to global dialogue and institutional continuity.
Progressive contenders such as Tagle or Cardinal Matteo Zuppi might select Francis II, directly aligning themselves with Pope Francis's legacy of humility, social justice, and care for the marginalized. Alternatively, they may opt for John XXIV, nodding to the beloved reformer Pope John XXIII and signaling a pastoral, inclusive Church.
More conservative candidates may look to Benedict XVII, referencing Pope Benedict XVI's focus on theological orthodoxy and traditional liturgy. Names like Leo XIV or Gregory XVII could also emerge, recalling popes associated with doctrinal authority and social teaching.
"Linking to the names of previous popes who weathered crises, inspired reform, or were incredibly popular can often, although not always, play a role in the choosing of a name," according to Liam Temple, assistant professor in the history of Catholicism at the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University, who spoke to CNN.
The name Pius, once a staple among papal choices, is unlikely to be chosen today; it is heavily associated with strong papal authority, traditionalism, and a more hierarchical Church. Pope Pius XII is a particularly contentious figure due to his perceived silence during the Holocaust. While defenders argue he worked behind the scenes to help Jews, critics say he failed to publicly condemn Nazi atrocities forcefully enough.
There are some names which have never been chosen by a pope, including Andrew, James, Joseph, and Luke.
One name is widely believed to be off the table: Peter II. Out of reverence for St. Peter, this name has never been used again and is traditionally considered too presumptuous—even though Ghana's Cardinal Peter Turkson is considered a contender. Choosing Peter would likely be seen as either provocative or apocalyptic, "perhaps because of a centuries-old prophecy that Peter II will be the last pope to serve," said Temple.
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Why Did Pope Francis Choose His Name?
Pope Francis chose his name out of reverence for St. Francis of Assisi, known for his dedication to the causes of poverty and charity.
Speaking to journalists in 2013, in the days following his election as pontiff, Francis recalled how Cardinal Claudio Hummes had given him the idea of choosing the name.
"When the votes reached two-thirds, there was the usual applause, because the pope had been elected. And he gave me a hug and a kiss and said: 'Don't forget the poor!' And those words came to me: the poor, the poor. Then, right away, thinking of the poor, I thought of Francis of Assisi. Then I thought of all the wars, as the votes were still being counted, till the end. Francis is also the man of peace. That is how the name came into my heart: Francis of Assisi. ... How I would like a Church which is poor and for the poor!"
This marked the first time a pope had chosen the name Francis.
What Happens Next
The cardinal electors will continue voting as billions of people across the globe watch closely for white smoke from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel.
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