International
When a cardinal is chosen Pope, he must choose a new name, a tradition that combines historical, spiritual and symbolic elements. The next election will occur in the following weeks, in the Vatican, after the death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio. (Free press photo: direct impact)
When chosen, the new Pontiff answers in Latin to the question: “What name do you want to be called?” Although you can currently choose any name, your decision is usually loaded with meaning. Today, betting houses indicate as favorites names such as Francisco II, Juan Pablo, Benedict and León.
This freedom of choice did not always exist. Before 533, the potatoes retained their birth name. It was Juan II, whose original name was Mercury, who decided to adopt another appellation to avoid governing under the name of a pagan divinity.
Among the most common names in history are Juan, used 23 times; Gregorio and Benedict, 16 times each; Clemente, 14, and León, 13.
Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, chose his name in honor of San Francisco de Asís.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5knhdzufcm
*Direct impact is an informative program that is broadcast by Guatevisión, Monday through Friday at 6:00 p.m.