When a new pope is elected , one of the very first things he does is choose a new name . This might seem like a symbolic gesture, but the act holds deep historical and spiritual significance in the Roman Catholic Church. The tradition of changing the pope’s name is rooted in centuries of religious meaning, theological symbolism, and personal inspiration. But why exactly do popes adopt a new name upon ascending to the papacy ? 📜 A Tradition Rooted in Sacred History 📜 The tradition of a pope taking a new name began in the 6th century , when Pope John II decided to abandon his birth name, Mercurius , which was associated with a pagan Roman god. He chose a name that aligned more closely with Christian values, and thus the custom of papal renaming was born. This change reflects a deep spiritual transformation . Just as biblical figures such as Saul became Paul and Simon became Peter , popes change their names to signify a new mission and a new identity in the eyes of God and the...