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Montie_Claunch
Guest
When and why did Bishops of Rome pick up “Pope names” (?) (i.e. Benidect the XVI or Pius the XII)? Why not just keep their real names? Thanks and God bless.
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DeFide
Guest
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bones_IV
Guest
it’s a tradition that goes back to the 5th-6th century. A guy named mercurius was elected pope. He changed his name upon election to John. And thus he became Pope St. John I.
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LilyM
Guest
Not that a lot of them are particularly imaginative - there have been 23 Johns, 16 Benedicts, 12 or 13 Piuses (forget how many) I think 10 or so Leos … you get the picture. Most of them probably choose a previous Pope who they admire (as our current Holy Father probably did).
The height of unimaginativity would have to be Julius II, of Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel fame, born Giuliano (Julian) della Rovere.
John Paul II is an interesting case - not only was it the name of his tragically short-lived predecessor, but combined the names of the two very significant Popes who had preceded them - John XXIII and Paul VI. Pretty deep.
The only stipulation is that by tradition no Pope has ever chosen the name of Peter, out of respect to the original, St Peter himself.
And now I’ve shown off quite enough
The height of unimaginativity would have to be Julius II, of Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel fame, born Giuliano (Julian) della Rovere.
John Paul II is an interesting case - not only was it the name of his tragically short-lived predecessor, but combined the names of the two very significant Popes who had preceded them - John XXIII and Paul VI. Pretty deep.
The only stipulation is that by tradition no Pope has ever chosen the name of Peter, out of respect to the original, St Peter himself.
And now I’ve shown off quite enough
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bones_IV
Guest
actually it’s 13 leo’s. there was no john XX. 13 innocents.Not that a lot of them are particularly imaginative - there have been 23 Johns, 16 Benedicts, 12 or 13 Piuses (forget how many) I think 10 or so Leos … you get the picture. Most of them probably choose a previous Pope who they admire (as our current Holy Father probably did).
The height of unimaginativity would have to be Julius II, of Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel fame, born Giuliano (Julian) della Rovere.
John Paul II is an interesting case - not only was it the name of his tragically short-lived predecessor, but combined the names of the two very significant Popes who had preceded them - John XXIII and Paul VI. Pretty deep.
The only stipulation is that by tradition no Pope has ever chosen the name of Peter, out of respect to the original, St Peter himself.
And now I’ve shown off quite enough
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auhsoj88
Guest
Christ changed Simons named to Peter. Peter took on the new name without hesitation. In some cultural traditions name changes signify a new person, or additude. Atheletes, actors, do this all the time…
Abram was changed to Abraham by God also, only fitting for the father of Judism…
God bless
Abram was changed to Abraham by God also, only fitting for the father of Judism…
God bless
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LilyM
Guest
Not to mention Jacob being changed to Israel, and people like Jesus and John the Baptist whose names were preannounced by angels :angel1:
Didn’t know there was no John XX though - fascinatin’!
Didn’t know there was no John XX though - fascinatin’!
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JMJ_coder
Guest
Hello,
Also don’t forget that many people will change their name when they enter a religious community. (i.e. Edith Stein = Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)
This was much more common in years gone by than it is today.
Also don’t forget that many people will change their name when they enter a religious community. (i.e. Edith Stein = Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)
This was much more common in years gone by than it is today.
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