Newly Elected Pope John XXIV: Name Choice Reflects Historical Reverence and Vision for Church Continuity

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church announced its 267th pope, who chose the name John XXIV, echoing the legacy of Pope John XXIII, known for the Second Vatican Council reforms. This name, unused since 1963, suggests a commitment to openness, modernization, and ecumenical outreach. The choice marks a departure from recent papal names and signals a potential continuation of the pastoral tone set by Pope Francis. The tradition of papal name selection is deeply symbolic, often reflecting the new pope's intended direction for the Church.

A Name Steeped in Reformist Legacy

The choice of the name John XXIV is a direct nod to Pope John XXIII, who convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962, initiating sweeping reforms that reshaped the modern Catholic Church. These included the use of vernacular languages in the Mass, increased engagement with other faiths, and a renewed focus on the laity’s role in Church life.

According to Rev. Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University, the name a pope selects is more than symbolic—it is a declaration of intent. “Even now, as we are waiting for the new pope, the name with which he will present himself will help us to understand the horizon towards which he wants to proceed,” Regoli told the Associated Press.

By choosing John XXIV, the new pontiff appears to align himself with a legacy of openness, modernization, and ecumenical outreach. This decision may also reflect a desire to continue the pastoral and inclusive tone set by his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis.

The Tradition and Meaning Behind Papal Names

The tradition of adopting a new name upon election to the papacy dates back to 533 A.D., when Pope John II, born Mercurius, changed his name to avoid association with a Roman god. Since then, the practice has evolved into a deeply symbolic act, often used to honor saints, previous popes, or to signal a new direction for the Church.

Historically, names like John, Gregory, Benedict, and Pius have been the most frequently chosen. The name John has been used by 23 previous popes, making it the most popular in papal history. The last to use it, Pope John XXIII, was canonized by Pope Francis in 2014, further cementing his revered status within the Church.

Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan University, emphasized the weight of this decision: “In the deepest recesses of their mind, when they start the conclave, everyone will walk in there with a name in their head.”

A Deliberate Break from Recent Precedents

The selection of John XXIV marks a departure from the more recent papal names of Francis, Benedict, and John Paul. Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was the first to choose a name never before used, honoring St. Francis of Assisi and signaling a papacy focused on humility, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship.

Pope Benedict XVI, elected in 2005, chose his name to honor Benedict XV, who led the Church during World War I and worked to heal the divisions caused by the conflict. John Paul I and John Paul II both paid tribute to their immediate predecessors, reflecting continuity and respect for the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

In contrast, the new pope’s choice of John XXIV revives a name that has not been used in over six decades, suggesting a deliberate effort to reconnect with the spirit of Vatican II and its emphasis on aggiornamento—bringing the Church up to date.

Names That Were Avoided

While the name John carries a strong reformist connotation, other historical names were notably absent from consideration. Names such as Urban and Innocent, once common in earlier centuries, have fallen out of favor. Imperatori-Lee noted that the name Innocent, in particular, would be ill-advised given the Church’s recent history of abuse scandals. “I don’t think that would be the right choice,” she said.

Similarly, the name Peter, though associated with the first pope and apostle, is traditionally avoided out of reverence and to avoid presumptions of equivalence with the Church’s foundational figure.

The Power of a Name

The announcement of a new pope’s name is often the first public signal of his intended path. As the crowd in St. Peter’s Square hears the words “Habemus Papam,” followed by the chosen name, the global Catholic community begins to interpret the implications.

“This would open a new season and could mean that his program is not in line with any of his predecessors, so an even more personalized program,” Regoli explained, referring to the possibility of a pope choosing a name never used before. However, by selecting John XXIV, the new pope has instead chosen to root his papacy in a well-established and transformative legacy.

A Message to the World

The name John XXIV sends a clear message: a commitment to dialogue, reform, and perhaps a renewed focus on the principles of the Second Vatican Council. While the full scope of the new pope’s agenda will unfold in the coming months and years, his first act—choosing a name—has already spoken volumes.

As the Church looks ahead, the name John XXIV stands as both a tribute to the past and a potential guidepost for the future.

References

• Papal conclave: Eventual new pope's chosen name may signal what's ahead
• The history of the names of the Successors of Peter - Vatican News
• Papal conclave 2025 begins: How Popes pick their names and the sacred symbolism behind new title - The Times of India
• The pope’s regnal name: What it is and why it matters
• What’s in a name? How a new pope chooses their title - National | Globalnews.ca
• Black smoke billows as cardinals’ first conclave vote yields no new pope: Highlights
• No pope named as black smoke rises on papal conclave's first day: May 7 recap