Choosing a Pope's Name

[Evania]

I read a couple sources that said that the newly elected Pope only gets a few seconds to pick a name after he is elected. Why is that? Obviously, I’m sure they ponder it beforehand in the case they are chosen, but I’m sure the answer isn’t just so he can hurry and get to the balcony. I was just curious as to why he doesn’t have a few minutes to pray over it.

By the way, I love his choice of Francis. St. Francis of Assisi is one of my favorite saints, but I also love St. Francis Xavier. May God bless and protect our pontiff!

Thank you in advance for your insight

 

[MarkThompson]

He can take as much time as he wants. He is, after all, the pope.

 

[bolinstephen]

He can take as much time as he wants. He is, after all, the pope.

Indeed. Also, he hurried up because it was raining and he didn’t want people to be out in the rain too long. That’s also why he addressed the people before the Cardinals.

 

[Inego_de_Loyola]

Indeed. Also, he hurried up because it was raining and he didn’t want people to be out in the rain too long. That’s also why he addressed the people before the Cardinals.

This seems to be a shepherd who puts first the care of his flock. Deo Gratias!

 

[Terry_Washingto]

Personally I would have favoured a more “traditional” name like Leo, Innocent, Sixtus- but hey, it’s his call!

Terry

 

[april32010]

and Francis isn’t traditional

 

[Christy_Beth]

I’m glad he chose a name not used before. It’ll take a bit of getting used to, having a new pope. But I really think this will help the church stay true to it’s course while “cleaning house.”

 

[Evania]

He can take as much time as he wants. He is, after all, the pope.

That’s what I had originally thought, but I read a few articles that said the time to choose is extremely short. I was just curious. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Catholic_27]

Was wondering what the reason is for a Papal name different from their name as a Cardinal? Any help that can be given is appreciated!

 

[Anthony86]

Was wondering what the reason is for a Papal name different from their name as a Cardinal? Any help that can be given is appreciated!

Choosing a new name stresses the transition one undergoes when being elected to the august office. It’s a tradition which seems to have started in the sixth century when a man named Mercury was elected pope. Since Mercury was the name of a pagan god, he thought it fitting to choose a new, Christian name. Some popes since then have kept (or merely Latinised) their baptismal names, though, such as Adrian VI or Marcellus II.