The Weight of a Name: Papal Choices and Their Echoes Through History

Kendrick Lamar’s observation, "If I’m gonna tell a real story, I’m gonna start with my name," resonates far beyond the realm of hip-hop. Names hold power, carrying within them history, meaning, and a reflection of identity. This sentiment echoes even within the hallowed halls of the Vatican, where the selection of a papal name signifies a pivotal moment in the life of a new pontiff and the trajectory of the Catholic Church.

Upon being chosen by the College of Cardinals in a conclave, each new pope has the profound opportunity to adopt a new name, a moniker steeped in symbolism and historical significance. This act of naming is far from arbitrary; it’s a deliberate choice that can signal the pope’s vision, priorities, and the legacy he hopes to cultivate.

The story of Pope Francis, formerly Jorge Bergoglio, offers a compelling illustration. When he ascended to the papacy, he chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century friar renowned for his radical embrace of poverty, his dedication to serving the marginalized, and his profound love for creation. This choice immediately signaled a departure from some of the more traditional expectations associated with the papacy.

Francis was a groundbreaking figure in many ways. He was the first pope from the Americas, hailing from Argentina, and the first Jesuit to assume the role. Furthermore, he was the very first to choose the name Francis, breaking with centuries of tradition. In a meeting with journalists shortly after his election in 2013, Pope Francis recounted the moment he settled on the name. According to the Catholic Herald, Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes embraced him, whispering, "Don’t forget the poor," a sentiment that resonated deeply with the newly elected pope. It was then that the image of St. Francis of Assisi, the embodiment of poverty, peace, and the protection of creation, flashed into his mind.

The significance of choosing the name Francis extends beyond personal admiration for the saint. It embodies a commitment to the values St. Francis championed: simplicity, compassion, and a fervent dedication to the well-being of the less fortunate. It sent a clear message to the world about the direction Pope Francis intended to steer the Church.

While not all members of Catholic religious orders change their names upon entering ministry, for those who do, it represents a profound transformation. Accepting a new name symbolizes the individual’s entry into a new community, a new way of life dedicated to serving God and others. It signifies a break with the past and an embrace of a new identity rooted in faith and service.

The practice of popes adopting new names has a long and fascinating history, tracing back to the early centuries of the Catholic Church. According to the Sioux Falls Bishops Bulletin, the tradition began to take hold in the 6th century. An early example is the story of Mercurius, who was elected pope in 533. However, his given name, which honored the Roman god Mercury, was deemed inappropriate for the leader of the Christian faith. In response, he adopted the name John II, honoring a previous pope who had been martyred.

Despite this early example, many popes continued to retain their given names until the 10th century, when the practice of choosing a new name became more prevalent. The last pope to keep his birth name was Marcellus II, elected in 1555.

Of course, the lineage of the papacy begins with St. Peter, one of the twelve Apostles and the man Catholics believe was ordained by Jesus himself. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus famously declares to Simon, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church." This passage is central to Catholic belief in the authority of the papacy, as it establishes Peter as the foundation upon which the Church would be built. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter became the earthly leader of the nascent church, spreading the Gospel and evangelizing throughout the Roman Empire. Tradition holds that he eventually settled in Rome, where he was martyred around 64 AD.

Throughout the history of the papacy, certain names have enjoyed enduring popularity. John holds the distinction of being the most commonly chosen papal name, with 23 pontiffs bearing that moniker. Several factors contribute to this prevalence. One is the tradition of popes choosing the name of their predecessor as a sign of continuity. Another is the sheer number of Catholic saints named John; dozens of them, including John the Baptist, John the Apostle (also known as John the Evangelist), St. John of the Cross, and St. John Damascene, are venerated throughout the Church.

Pope Francis’ predecessor, Joseph Ratzinger, chose the second-most frequently used papal name when he became Benedict XVI. Gregory has also been a popular choice, with 16 popes bearing that name. Clement, Innocent, Leo, and Pius have also been used frequently throughout church history.

However, the annals of papal history also contain a fascinating collection of names that have been chosen only once. These unique selections offer a glimpse into the individual circumstances and motivations of the popes who chose them. Names like Lando, Romanus, Formosus, Valentine, Zachary, Conon, Agatho, Vitalian, Severinus, Silverius, Hormisdas, Symmachus, Simplicius, Hilarius, Mark, Dionysius, Fabian, and Linus stand as singular entries in the papal record. Notably, Peter, the very first pope, is also the only one to ever bear that name.

The selection of a papal name is a complex and multifaceted decision, one that reflects the pope’s personal values, his connection to history, and his vision for the future of the Catholic Church. These names, echoing through the centuries, serve as potent reminders of the individuals who have shaped the papacy and the enduring power of a name to tell a story.