we know johnpaul 1 for the two popes before him one making him a bishop and the other for cardinal

-- gw deason (gwdeason@aol.com), February 03, 2004

Answers

The custom of a Pope changing his name upon election originated shortly before the year 1000. The choice is his. Normally it is a name of a saint or another pope he admires. The custom is not to choose the name Peter in deference to the original pope.

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45@hotmail.com), February 03, 2004.

The first Pope to change his name was John II in 533. He changed his name because his given name was Mercury, a pagan god, so he decided that was inapropriate as a Christian and as the Pope.

Sergius V began the regular practice of changing names when becoming Pope, in 1009.

Before this time, many Popes did not change their names because they already had a Christian name.

-- Scott (papasquat10@hotmail.com), February 03, 2004.

Hey Bill,

Thanks, I have always wondered why none of them chose Peter. I always just guessed that it was because they might come off as a bit arrogant. Deference and respect are much better reasons.

Dano

-- Dan Garon (boethius61@yahoo.com), February 03, 2004.

I remember reading somewhere that popes may sometimes choose their names to indicate their "theology," John for instance may indicate an emphasis on ecumenism, inclusiveness, and love as the fundamental Christian teaching. Paul may indicate an emphasis on atonement, justification by grace through faith, and a more conservative approach towards ecumenism and cultural accomodation. John Paul could be interpreted as an indication of an intention to take a middle course between the Johannine and Pauline emphases.

-- Dewain Belgard (dbelgard@bellsouth.net), March 13, 2004.

This is the most depressing site I have ever been to. I believe in Jesus, was raised Catholic and recieved great value from it, and call myself a Christian. Wanting to learn more about religious history, I stumbled upon this page. I pray that no one seeking God is directed here. What hate there is in these pages. Catholic vs. Chistian, both of you should indeed wake up. I am so lucky my faith is strong, or rotten people full of hate calling themselves believers would make me turn in a minute.

-- Kim Randalot (randalots@hotmail.com), October 07, 2004.

opps. i was responding to another section, but many of these sections are awful anyways. i love the people who say to go to hell.

-- kim randalot (randalots@hotmail.com), October 07, 2004.

Well Kim,

It's an open site where anyone is free to post their ideas. So we are bound to get some chaff along with the wheat. If you read many of the threads here I'm sure you will find much of value. And the really offensive stuff that gets posted is promptly deleted.

Incidentally, there is no such thing as "Catholic vs. Christian". What you mean is "Catholic vs. Protestant". When one group breaks away from another in open rebellion, controversy is sure to result. But even controversial matters can be discussed with mutual respect, which is our goal here.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 07, 2004.