answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

"They" did not change the name of the new pope, When elected, the new pope has the choice of keeping his Christian name or choosing a regnal name that he wishes to be known as while serving. When Christ named Simon as the first pope he changed his name to Peter. After Peter, the next pope to choose a new name was Pope John II who was elected in the year 533. His given name was Mercurius and he did not think it proper for a Catholic pope to be named for a pagan Roman god - Mercury.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

'They' do not rename the pope. The pope chooses if he wishes to be known by a new name but it is not a requirement. When Our Lord chose Peter as the first pope he change his name from Simon to Peter.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

A pope does not have to change his name but most do. It is symbolic of Jesus changing the name of Simon to Peter at the time he named him as leader of his Church and the first pope.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Yes, his original name was Karol Woyjtila.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why did they change the Pope's name?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How did Pope Valentine get his name?

At the time of Pope Valentine, popes did not change their name. He received the name Valentine from his parents.


Why do popes have to change their name?

A pope does not have to change his name but most do. It is symbolic of Jesus changing the name of Simon to Peter at the time he named him as leader of his Church and the first pope.


What is the holy name of the twelve popes?

There have been 12 popes who have taken Pius as their name.


Why do popes change their real name when elected?

No Pope is obligated to change his name. This is a pious tradition (not Sacred Tradition). The practice arose when a pagan convert to Christianity became Pope and changed his name from Mercury (after the pagan Roman god) to John II in 533 C.E. Until then, the Popes kept their original names, from Peter (#1) to Boniface II (#55). Between John II (#56) and Sergius IV (#142) in 1009 C.E. only a few Popes changed their names. But since Sergius IV, it has been common practice for all Popes to change their name when elected pontiff except Adrian VI and Marcellus II.


Did popes elect cardinals?

Popes do not elect cardinals, they name them.


How many popes have the name Jude?

There have been no popes named Jude.


What name was shared by only six popes?

There have been six popes named Adrian and six popes named Paul.


What name was chosen 12 times by popes?

There have been 12 popes named Pius.


What is the name of the Popes house?

the popes live in the papal apartments in the apostic palace in vatican city


What is the name of twentyone popes?

There have been 23 popes named John but none with 21 as a maximum.


What is the most popular pope's name?

There have been 23 popes named John, the most popular name by far.The most popular name historically chosen by the popes is John. No less than 23 popes have taken the papal office under this name.


What is the name used by 15 popes?

Benedict is the name used by 15 popes. Pope Benedict X was an antipope and not counted as a legitimate pope.