Throughout two millennia, the papacy has been a central institution in the Christian world. Every Pope, upon election, chooses a new name, a tradition that reflects continuity, reverence, and, often, a statement of intent.
These chosen names often honor saints, previous popes, or Biblical figures, and serve as a symbolic guide for the pontificate.
The selection of a papal name is not a mere formality. It carries profound spiritual and historical significance, shaping how the Pope is perceived both within the Catholic Church and by the world at large.
Over time, certain names have become deeply associated with specific virtues, eras, and legacies.
The Origin of Choosing Papal Names
In the earliest centuries of Christianity, Popes retained their birth names after ascending to the papacy. The practice of adopting a new name began in the sixth century, when Pope John II (born Mercurius) chose to reject his pagan-derived birth name in favor of one honoring a Christian predecessor.
“Taking a new name is a public gesture, signaling a new mission and a spiritual transformation at the highest level of the Church.”
— Church Historian, Dr. Maria Fabbri
Since then, nearly every Pope has selected a new name, often echoing those of saints or earlier popes revered for their wisdom or leadership. This tradition has resulted in a fascinating tapestry of names, some used only once, while others have been chosen repeatedly across centuries.
The Most Popular Pope Name: John
John stands out as the most popular and frequently chosen papal name in history. Over the centuries, 21 Popes have adopted the name John, making it a hallmark of papal tradition.
This name is deeply rooted in Christian heritage, honoring both John the Baptist and John the Apostle—figures of immense significance in the Gospels.
The enduring popularity of the name reflects a desire among popes to align themselves with the qualities these saints represent: humility, faith, and a pioneering spirit. The name John also symbolizes continuity, echoing the legacy of saints and previous pontiffs who guided the Church through pivotal moments.
| Name | Number of Popes | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| John | 21 | John Paul II, John XXIII, John XII |
| Gregory | 16 | Gregory I (the Great), Gregory VII |
| Benedict | 16 | Benedict XVI, Benedict XV |
| Clement | 14 | Clement I, Clement VII |
| Innocent | 13 | Innocent III, Innocent XI |
| Leo | 13 | Leo I (the Great), Leo XIII |
| Pius | 12 | Pius IX, Pius XII |
| Stephen | 9 | Stephen I, Stephen VI |
| Urban | 8 | Urban II, Urban VIII |
| Alexander | 6 | Alexander VI, Alexander III |
Why “John” Became the Most Popular Papal Name
The name John holds a special place in Christian tradition. St.
John the Baptist is revered as the forerunner of Christ, symbolizing humility and the call to repentance. Meanwhile, St.
John the Apostle is celebrated for his close relationship with Jesus, his theological writings, and his role as a witness to Christ’s divinity.
By choosing the name John, Popes often express a desire to embody these virtues. The name also carries a sense of unity and peace, as both saints are seen as bridge-builders—one preparing the way for Christ, the other offering profound spiritual insights to the early Church.
“The repeated selection of the name John by Popes suggests a longing for spiritual renewal and a connection to the earliest days of Christianity.”
— Vatican Archivist, Lucio Martelli
The popularity of John is further cemented by the legacies of specific Popes who bore the name. For example, Pope John XXIII is remembered for convening the Second Vatican Council, while John Paul II (who combined the name with Paul) is celebrated for his global influence and outreach.
Notable Popes Named John
Among the 21 Popes named John, a few stand out for their significant contributions to the Church and world history. Their pontificates have left indelible marks, shaping doctrine, reforming Church practices, and influencing the broader course of Western civilization.
| Pope | Pontificate | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| John I | 523–526 | First Pope to visit Constantinople; martyred after returning to Rome. |
| John XII | 955–964 | Notorious for his tumultuous reign and conflicts with the Holy Roman Emperor. |
| John XXIII | 1958–1963 | Convened the Second Vatican Council, modernizing the Church. |
| John Paul I | 1978 | Remembered for his humility; his pontificate lasted just 33 days. |
| John Paul II | 1978–2005 | One of the most traveled and influential Popes; instrumental in ending communism in Eastern Europe. |
Patterns in Papal Name Selection
Papal names are rarely chosen at random. Instead, they reflect the aspirations, inspirations, and sometimes the political climate of the time.
Throughout history, patterns have emerged, with certain names gaining popularity during specific eras.
For instance, during the Middle Ages, names like Gregory, Benedict, and Leo were frequently selected as a way to evoke the memory of strong, reform-minded Popes. In more recent centuries, the name John has been chosen to symbolize a return to foundational Christian values and to foster unity within the Church.
The following table illustrates the distribution of papal names by historical period:
| Era | Popular Names | Reason for Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Early Christianity (1st–5th centuries) | Peter, Sixtus, Clement | Names of apostles and early martyrs; emphasis on apostolic succession. |
| Middle Ages (6th–15th centuries) | John, Gregory, Leo, Innocent | Imitation of reforming and influential Popes; establishing legitimacy. |
| Modern Era (16th–21st centuries) | John, Pius, Paul, Benedict | Honoring recent predecessors; focus on continuity and reform. |
The Symbolic Power of “John”
The symbolism of the name John extends beyond mere tradition. Each time a Pope selects this name, he invokes a powerful legacy of renewal and transformation.
The name is associated with new beginnings—John the Baptist marked the transition from prophecy to fulfillment, while John the Apostle chronicled the spiritual depth of Christ’s message.
This symbolic resonance is further reinforced by the actions of Popes who bore the name. For example, Pope John XXIII’s decision to convene the Second Vatican Council was seen as a breath of fresh air, opening the Church to dialogue with the modern world.
His namesake, John Paul II, continued this spirit of outreach, traveling more than any previous Pope and engaging with leaders of other faiths.
“The name John has become a beacon for Popes seeking to guide the Church through times of change and challenge.”
— Vatican Analyst, Sofia Ricci
The selection of the name John often signals a period of reflection, openness, and transformation within the Church. It is no accident that some of the most memorable papacies in recent memory have been linked to this name.
Unusual Facts About Papal Names
While John is the most popular papal name, the process of choosing a name can sometimes lead to unique or even controversial outcomes. For example, there has never been a Pope Peter II, out of respect for St.
Peter, the first Pope. Similarly, some names have been avoided due to negative associations with antipopes or scandalous reigns.
The case of John XX is particularly noteworthy. Due to a numbering error in the Middle Ages, there is no Pope John XX.
The sequence jumps from John XIX to John XXI, leading to centuries of speculation and scholarly debate.
| Incident | Description |
|---|---|
| The Missing John XX | In the 13th century, a miscount led to the skip of John XX, so the sequence goes from John XIX to John XXI. |
| Absence of Peter II | No Pope has taken the name Peter II, out of reverence for the Apostle Peter. |
| Paul VI, John Paul I & II | The combination of names (John Paul) was introduced in 1978, symbolizing continuity between recent pontiffs. |
John Paul: The Unique Double Papal Name
In 1978, Cardinal Albino Luciani broke new ground by choosing the name John Paul I—the first double papal name in history. He did so to honor his two immediate predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI.
His successor, Karol Wojtyła, chose the name John Paul II, further cementing this unique tradition and highlighting the importance of both continuity and innovation.
The combination of names not only paid tribute to the past but also set the tone for a transformative era in the Church, marked by outreach, dialogue, and a renewed emphasis on global engagement.
The Influence of Culture and Language on Papal Names
The choice of papal names is influenced by cultural and linguistic trends. While Latin remains the official language of the Vatican, the resonance of names like John transcends linguistic boundaries, appearing as Giovanni in Italian, Juan in Spanish, and Jean in French.
This universality adds to the appeal of the name John, making it accessible and familiar to Catholics worldwide. Other names, such as Leo or Gregory, also carry strong cultural associations and are often chosen to evoke particular virtues or historical epochs.
The Future of Papal Naming Traditions
As the Church continues to evolve, so too may the traditions surrounding papal names. While established names like John, Benedict, and Francis (the current Pope’s name, chosen in honor of St.
Francis of Assisi) remain popular, there is always the possibility of new or revived names entering the tradition.
The selection of a papal name remains a deeply personal and spiritual decision. It reflects the Pope’s vision for his tenure and signals the values he wishes to emphasize.
Whether future Popes continue to favor the name John or branch out into new territory, the act of choosing a name will always be a powerful symbol of leadership and faith.
Summary: The Enduring Legacy of “John”
The papal name John stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, spirituality, and leadership in the Catholic Church. With 21 Popes bearing the name across centuries, it is a name that resonates with humility, renewal, and a commitment to guiding the Church through both triumph and trial.
Through its repeated selection, the name John has become more than just a label—it is a statement of faith and a call to service. As future generations look to the past for inspiration, the legacy of the Popes named John will undoubtedly continue to shape the course of Catholic history.
References
- The Vatican Archives
- The Catholic Encyclopedia
- National Catholic Reporter: “Why Popes Choose Their Names”
- BBC News: “The Tradition of Papal Names”
- History.com: “Popes and Their Names”
