The Symbolism Of 'Benedict'

New Pontiff's Choice Of Name Offers Signal To Spirit Of Papacy

(AP) 
In the early church, most popes kept their own names, which accounts for such archaic appellations as Adeodatus, Formosus, Hyginus and Anastasius Bibliothecarius.

In the 20th century, three popes took the name Pius, one Benedict, one Paul, and one John. In 1978, the newly elected patriarch of Venice, Albino Luciani, combined John and Paul to become the first John Paul in papal history. In deference to Luciani, who died after only 33 days in office, his successor became John Paul II.

Choosing a new name as pontiff did not become a tradition until 996, when Bruno, the first German pope, became known as Gregory V. Named after a pagan god, the 6th-century priest Mercury changed his name to John II upon becoming pope.

Over the centuries, the most popular name has been John. Twenty-three popes have taken the name of Jesus' most beloved apostle, followed by 16 Gregories, 15 Benedicts and 13 Leos.

Benedict, which comes from the Latin for "blessing," is one of a number of papal names of holy origin such as Clement ("mercy"), Innocent ("hopeful" as well as "innocent") and Pius ("pious").

The new pope could've chosen the name John Paul III, thus embracing the formidable legacy of his predecessor, who in 26 years on the throne of Peter traveled farther and met with more people than any other pope in the history of the church.

Such a choice would've signaled that the new pope is committed to continuing John Paul II's legacy, but it would also show he was responding to the "huge affection of people around the world for John Paul II," Reese said.

The one name that no pontiff has presumed to duplicate is that of Peter the Apostle, the first pope.

Although the pope is also known as the "successor of Peter," no one wants to put himself on the same level as the man who, according to church teaching, Christ himself put at the head of his flock.