Do Popes Have to Change Their Name
Popes are not legally required to change their name, but every pope since 1555 has chosen a regnal name different from his birth name. The practice became standard as a symbolic break from a predecessor and a statement of the new pope's intended direction. The decision is made freely during the conclave, and the name is announced immediately after the election. For background on the process and history, see this overview from the Vatican official site.
The choice of a new name is a personal decision made by the elected cardinal, not a mandatory rule in canon law. The name change is purely traditional and symbolic, and no external body forces the pope to adopt a new name. The last pope to keep his birth name was Marcellus II in 1555, and every pope since then has selected a regnal name. This pattern is confirmed by the Encyclopaedia Britannica entry on the papacy.
History and Frequency of Papal Name Changes
How Often Popes Choose a New Name
Out of the 266 popes recognized by the Catholic Church as of 2025, 265 have used a regnal name different from their birth name. The most frequently reused names include John, Gregory, Benedict, Clement, and Leo. John is the most popular choice, used by 21 popes, while Benedict has been adopted by 15 popes since the first Pope Benedict I in 575. These statistics are documented in the Catholic-Hierarchy.org database.
The practice of taking a new name became common in the 10th century and was solidified by Pope John II in 533, who was the first pope to adopt a regnal name because his birth name was pagan. Since then, the choice has served as a signal of theological emphasis, reform priorities, or continuity with earlier papal traditions. The frequency of specific names also reflects shifts in Church priorities over centuries.
Recent Examples and Current Practice
Modern Papal Name Choices
In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis, the first pope to use that name. He chose it in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasizing poverty and care for creation. In 2005, Joseph Ratzinger selected the name Benedict XVI, linking his papacy to the legacy of Benedict XV and Saint Benedict of Nursia. Both choices were widely reported by major outlets such as Forbes and the Associated Press.
Papal name changes are now a globally watched event, with the new name announced in Latin and translated into dozens of languages within minutes. The selection process is guided by tradition, personal devotion, and the perceived needs of the Church, but no formal rule compels the pope to change his name. The current practice is documented by the Vatican's official website and major news organizations covering the Holy See.