Rome again in the spotlight. Under the glance of the iconic frescoes Michelangelo in the Sistine chapel, the Cardinals in Malin’s coats are gathering for one of the most mysterious and historical traditions on Earth – papal conclave. While all eyes go to the chimney that awaits white smoke, here is something you don’t want to miss: the name of the new pope.This one name can hint at everything – his beliefs, his priorities, even by which he hopes to be a leader.
Name that speaks louder than speech
Believe it or not, the first true message from the recently selected Pope does not come as a grand address or a wide change of doctrine. This is in the name he chooses. At the moment when the dramatic pap-paple enters this Vatican balcony, and we hear “Habemus papam” (we have a dad!), The name that follows is loaded with meaning.What’s in the name? A lot, really.This tradition of the Pontifical Set name returns back to 533 AD. Why? His original name, Mercury, sounded too pagan (named after the Roman God – not a great view of the head of the Catholic Church). Since then, the Pope has chosen the names that honor the saints reflect their spiritual vision or pay tribute to the previous popes.When Jorge Mario Bergolio became the Pope in 2013, he swayed, choosing “Francis” – the first. It was a clear nod of St. Francis Assisi, a preacher barefoot, humility and concern for the poor. He said at once: This guy was going to do everything else. And he did.
Will the next Pope follow the tradition … or break the form?
This is a big question. Will we get another “John Paul”, continuity and comfort? “Benedict”, hinting at a return to the traditional doctrine? Or will it be another bold first name, which testifies to the new direction for the 21st Century Church, such as climate change, ethics II, and a change in the moral landscape?Whatever he chose, this name will be more than ceremony. This is a look into the soul of the papacy.
As the decision is made
About 170 cardinals under the age of 80 are closed inside the Sistine Chapel. No phones. No tweets. No conversation with the outside world. Just a prayer, quiet conversations and a few rounds of secret ballots until someone earns two -thirds of the vote.After there is a choice, he asked one simple, important question: “Do you accept your canonical elections as the High Pontiff?” If he says yes, he chooses his name. Often, this choice is what the cardinal thought for years. Just in case.
Great shoes to fill
Let’s not get it sugar: the new pope has a monumental task ahead. Pope Francis, who is now 88, was not restrained. He called for injustice, fought with cruelty scandals, advocated migrants, and even made a climate change part of his spiritual mission. Next dad? He inherits all this – crises, hopes, expectations of billions of Catholics around the world.And so his name matters. It’s not just a nod to the story. This post is in the future.So, when white smoke finally rises above the Vatican city, don’t just celebrate. Listen carefully. This is the very first word after “Habemus Papa” can just tell us everything you need to know about the way forward.
