The choice of the name of who will be the new leader of the Catholic Church is one of the last steps in the process known as Conclave.
This happens almost immediately after the votes of the Cardinal Voter, who gather in the Sistine chapel, in the Vatican, to vote to vote.
The procedure is described in the Apostolic Constitution promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1996, “Universi Dominici Gregis”, which describes the guidelines for the Pope’s election.
Once counting the votes, the Cardinal Dean, on behalf of all the cardinals, asks the elected: “Accepted your canonical election for the high pontiff?”
After acceptance, the dean adds, “How do you want to be called?”
“Then the master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations […] Write a document with the acceptance of the new pontiff and the name assumed by it, ”concludes the document.
Generally, between 30 and 60 minutes after the white smoke comes out of the sistine chapel chimney, already wearing the papal robes, the Pope will appear on the porch of St. Peter’s Basilica before the multitude of faithful.
Cardinal Protodiácono Dominique Mamberti, if he is not elected Pope, will announce the words “Habemus Papam” (from Latin, in Portuguese “We have a Pope”) and will present by the chosen name the new pontiff, who will make a brief statement and a prayer.
What the names of the popes reveal
In the long history of the popes, which darted to St. Peter for two millennia, some names have gained negative associations, others began to mean conservatism or a desire for change.
Therefore, the name chosen by a Pope is considered a clue than the 1.3 billion Roman Catholics in the world can expect.
The renowned Italian ecclesiastical historian Alberto Melloni explained CNN, In an interview in 2013that Pius XII, who held the position from 1939 to 1958, was very conservative.
“If the new Pope chose Pius XIII’s name would be a very ideological choice,” he added.
On the other hand, he ponders, if the new Pope chose the name John XXIV would be a reform opening signage.
John XXIII became famous for convening the Second Vatican Council in 1962, which brought major changes in the relationship of the Roman Catholic Church with the modern world.
Melloni also explained to CNN That the popes only adopted a different name from the one with which he was born in the late 10th century. Since then, only one, Adriano VI in the 16th century, maintained the name of baptism.
In the 10th century, John Paul I was the first to adopt a compound name, in honor of the two popes who led the Church during the Second Vatican Council. He was honored by the Polish John Paul II, who died in 2005.
Melloni points out that while the faithful await the choice of the name of a new pontiff, only one thing is certain: the new Pope will not be called Peter.
This happens out of respect for St. Peter, the apostle, who was the first Pope – and there is also a secular prophecy that Peter II would be the last Pope to serve.
The latest choices of pope names
German Joseph Ratzinger chose the name Bento XVI by assuming as head of state of the Vatican in 2005.
In his first overall hearing, he told the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Benedict XV, who led the church during the turbulent years of World War I.
“He was a true and brave peace prophet who fought hard and bravely, first to avoid the drama of war and then to limit his terrible consequences,” said Benedict XVI.
“In his steps, I put my ministry in the service of reconciliation and harmony among peoples,” he added.
The choice of name also referred to St. Bento, founder of the Order of Benedictine monks, which helped spread Christianity throughout Europe – and was especially revered in Germany, Ratzinger’s homeland.
In 2013, Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio Historically innovated when choosing the name Francisco – the first time the name was chosen by a Pope.
Francisco said that before becoming Pope, his fellow Brazilian Cardinal Dom Claudio Hummes said “do not forget the poor,” while the votes accumulated in their favor. And the phrase was in his mind when he won the majority of two -thirds in the election and became a pontiff.
The Vatican Vice Vatican Vice at the timeThomas Rosica announced at that moment that the Pope chose the name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who spent his life taking care of the poor.
“Cardinal Bergoglio had a special place in his heart and his ministry for the poor, for the marginalized, for those who lived on the fringes and faced injustices,” Rosica said.
San Francisco, one of the most venerated figures of the Roman Catholic Church, was known to connect with other Christians, Rosica added.
Later, the Pope himself said to journalists, “Immediately, regarding the poor, I thought of St. Francis of Assisi, then I thought of war. Francisco loved peace and that’s how the name came to me.”
The Vatican Specialist at CNNJohn Allen described the choice of Francis’ name as “impressive” and “breaking precedents.”
“There are fundamental figures in Catholicism. Figures of such stature as St. Francis of Assisi seem unrepeatable – so that there may be only one Francis. The name symbolizes poverty, humility, simplicity and reconstruction of the Catholic Church,” he concluded.
This content was originally published in what is the choice of Pope’s name? on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
