Serious pope question

[trotsky]

Why do popes get a special name when they become pope (Pius, John Paul, etc.) And what is the process by which they assign that name (i.e., how do they decide on it)?

[Demit]

1. they choose it themselves

[AllegroRondo]

2. From what I know

The newly elected Pope chooses his own name, as 'guided by God'. It is meant to reflect his new status as the 'voice of God on earth', and set him apart from his old role as Cardinal.

[trotsky]

4. Is there some small group of names they are "allowed" to pick from?

Could one call himself Pope George I or Pope Hamish I?

[AllegroRondo]

5. No, its pretty wide open

although in the past they have tended to go with very 'biblical' names like John or Peter, there is no limitation. He is 'the Pope' after all, and what he says is the law of the church.

[LSparkle]

3. John Paul II chose John Paul to honor his predecessor

who only lived a short time. If I remember correctly, John Paul I only was Pope for a few months during 1978 (??).

[NYdemocrat089]

6. Yes, Pope John Paul I was only the Pope for 34 days.

"He was elected supreme pontiff after the death of Paul VI in August 1978. In homage to his two immediate predecessors he chose the name John Paul, thus becoming the first pope to take a double papal name. He died in Rome September 28, 1978, after only 34 days in office."


Source: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761567345/John_Paul_I.html