Any speculation on what the next pope will be named?

[liberalpragmatist]

Anybody familiar with papal naming conventions? I assume they won't pick up some long-unused name like "Anastasius" or "Lando" (actual Pope - 913-914).

This list of popes is pretty handy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_popes

In the last two centuries, common names have included Pius, John, Benedict, Gregory, Leo and, of course, John Paul.

I read somewhere that conventionally the pick will be something that is relatively familiar - as in a name that has been used recently.

Also, Popes do often seem to pick names to honor predecessors.

I think we may get a "Pope John Paul III" named in honor of the late Pope. However, I suppose that may be unlikely - looking through the list it's rare that popes of the same name follow each other, although this pope did.

Personally, having read some papal history over the past couple days, I think a good name would be Benedict - in honor of Pope Benedict XV who was very antiwar, tried to end WWI and was deeply involved in humanitarianism. It would be a good message to send to the world given the current state of peace on Earth.

I realize this is maybe a pointless thread given that nobody knows who will be Pope and the name is largely inconsequential. Plus, the name is solely the decision of the individual picked. Still, for Sunday afternoon musings, there could be worse.

[hyphenate]

1. Let's all hope, regardless of who it is

That he doesn't decide to use the name George. ;)

[JVS]

2. JPIII= more of the same, John XXIV= changes ahead, PiusXIII= Look out!

[eleny]

3. LOL!

[illflem]

4. I vote for Pooty

Pope Pooty has a nice ring to it.
My second choice would be Pope Aye

[Spinzonner]

5. Fred

[Champion Jack]

6. J.R. "Bob" Dobbs?

[robertpaulsen]

7. Pope John Paul George

His message: All You Need is Love. And a drummer.

[mattclearing]

10. Nice one. n/t

[oldtime dfl_er]

16. Pope Ringo?

www.cafepress.com/blackoutbush

[mattclearing]

8. If Congressional Republicans get their say: Reagan!

:D

[smoogatz]

9. Pope Edna (n/t)

[JanMichael]

11. Pope Mel?

I'd love to see Gibson as the long shot mystic Pope.

[UrbScotty]

12. Pope Ron Paul?

:evilgrin:

Anyway...

If I were elected Pope, I'd take the name Julius IV. That was the name of my grandfather.

[Dookus]

13. I'd go with Benedict

I love his eggs.

[kentuck]

14. I hear they're grooming "Curveball"...

now that he is no longer drinking...

[The Devils Advocate]

15. Pope Ringo George I

[Cooley Hurd]

17. I doubt he'll use "John Paul"

They rarely (if ever) use the same name 3 times in a row. I'd put my money on "Leo." It's been a while since we've had a "Leo.";)

[the_spectator]

19. I agree, probably Leo, or maybe Gregory

or possibly Paul.

But looking at the List of Popes, there are some cool names amongst the earlier popes.

If the new Pope has a humble background from rural stock, he could go with the name of the third Pope, and be "Pope Cletus."

If he has a sense of humor and a ready wit, he could be another "Pope Hilarus."

If he's going to be a party Pope, he could be another "Pope Dionysius."

If Our Great President somehow could get himself named Pope, there is an appropriate precedent for him - he could be another "Pope Simplicius."

Or if AHHnold got it (after all, Austrians are Cathoics!) he could be another "Pope Conon" - close enough!

[Bluebear]

18. I like "Paree"

Brings France back into the world community after they so shamelessly snubbed Idiot Son AND it smells nice.

:crazy:

[The Whiskey Priest]

20. If I were a Cardinal and had any input….I would go for…..

Pope Slappy……

Update the office a bit, rainbow fright wig, some big yellow shoes…maybe a red ball nose……..no reason for the Pontiff to be stuck in the old white robe and miter syndrome…… Let’s have some fun……….

[ForrestGump]

21. If it were me, I'd go for Pope Elvis, Pope Free Bird, or Pope Pourri

Or maybe Pope Chillin' Dog.

Mix it up a little.

[mykpart]

22. How about Pope Ru Paul?

[leftofthedial]

23. Nope

nope the pope

[JVS]

24. Epop so that he can get a palindrome going

Pope Epop

[leftofthedial]

25. That would be good!

I bet it won't be "bubba."

[leftofthedial]

26. Well, to follow John Paul

it would have to either be

Pope Keith Mick

or

Pope Pete Roger

(Personally, I think Pete Roger has the edge, and not because of the pedophilia thing either, so stop saying that)

[warrens]

27. Onarope n/t

[Zenlitened]

28. The iPope?

:D

[Xithras]

29. I predict Pius or Benedict. Here's some important info on pope names.

The pope's name isn't something that's randomly chosen. The names have meanings and expressions.

When Pope John Paul ascended, the church was a bit torn between the previous leadership styles of Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI. John Paul was chosen as his way of signifying that he meant to serve both sides of the strife and heal the church. When JPII ascended a short while later, he took the same name for the same reason. Since few people today remember either Pope John or Pope Paul, it's unlikely that there will be a JPIII.

As for the rest of the common names:

A Pope might choose the name of an apostle, to signify that he intends to emulate the life of that apostle John is a common one, because he baptized many and brought new people into the church. The name also indicates a reformer nowadays, since the last Pope John brought so many changes to the Church.

There are also...

Benedict: A pope who buries himself in his belief, who sees faith in God as the answer to all of humanities problems, and who sees the intervention of mankind as counterproductive.

Pius: Indicates that the pope is a believer in "traditional", conservative Catholocism, including a belief in the place of Latin in the liturgy.

Leo: A war-pope title. Frequently taken by popes who plan on engaging kinds, other religions, or social norms in battle. Taking the name Leo indicates that the pope intends to be active and forceful.

Gregory: A title taken by popes who want to dedicate themselves to beauty, art, and the protection of beautiful things (if we ever get an environmentalist pope, he'll probably be a Gregory).

Clement: Indicates a merciful pope, prone to forgiving wrongs and getting along with the rest of the world.

Innocent: A hopeful pope, a peace-winner and deal-maker. An innocent isn't likely to take sides in a battle, but will work overtime to bring the two sides together for peaceful discussion.

Once a new pope is elected and announced, we should be able to tell a lot about his intentions simply by the name he chooses. My prediction is Pius or Benedict simply because JPII placed so many conservative Catholics in his line of succession that it's unlikely to be anyone with any kind of progressive viewpoint. It will be someone traditional, someone devout, and someone who will continue to keep the church on the same course it's held for decades.