Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Conclave!
In the Roman Catholic tradition, a new pope not only steps into a deeply significant role but also embraces a new identity, which happens at the end ofConclave. Becoming the Pope of the Catholic Church is a major deal, and it is not a role to be taken lightly. As such, the new Pope must mark a paradigm shift in their life to prepare for the massive responsibility of the role.
AsConclaveshows, when a new Pope is chosen, this identity shift begins with choosing a papal name, which is a symbolic religious action rich with meaning, reverence, and intention. The selected name often reflects past popes, saintly figures, or values that the new pope wishes to embody, sending a message to the world and setting the tone for his papacy.At the end ofConclave, the new pope chooses the name Pope Innocentius, but there’s much more to it than just picking a name at random.
Popes Choose A New Name To Honor Previous Popes
History And Honor Are Important To The Pope And Catholic Cardinals
Since the 6th century—though more widely adopted since the 10th century—popes have chosen a new name to signal their personal connection to a particular saint or a prior pope.This tradition began as a symbolic gesture, an indication that the newly appointed spiritual leader intends to follow in the footsteps of a revered predecessor. It’s a practice rooted in humility and reverence, with each pope aiming to carry forward the legacy of past leaders or to renew the church’s connection to its spiritual ancestors.
One example is Pope Benedict XVI, who selected his name after St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine Order. Known for his emphasis on stability and commitment to spiritual growth, St. Benedict represented a return to tradition and spiritual integrity. Similarly, Benedict XVI’s papacy emphasized doctrinal purity and the revitalization of Christian values, themeshe brought forward through this name choice.
Pope John Paul I only served for 33 days, making him have one of the shortest papacies, with the shortest being Pope Urban VII at 13 days. Shockingly, his immediate follow-up, John Paul II, served for the third-longest in history for 26 years.
An even better example is Pope John Paul II,who chose his name to honor his immediate predecessors, Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, and John Paul I, all of whom played pivotal roles in modernizing the church. By adopting both names, Pope John Paul II acknowledged their influence while suggesting continuity and stability. This powerful tribute reflected his desire to embrace their dedication to unity and progress within the church, all while paving his path as a pope for the modern world.
The Pope’s Name Can Also Be Used To Send A Message
They Choose A Name Based On Something They Want Their Papacy to Represent
Choosing a new name isn’t merely a symbolic act of respect. It’s also a subtle but powerful way for a pope to communicate his intentions and vision for the future of the church. For instance, when current Pope Francis took his name after Saint Francis of Assisi, he signaled a shift toward humility, peace, and advocacy for the poor. Saint Francis is known for his compassion and devotion to those on the margins, a message Pope Francis wanted to center in his papacy with his motto “Miserando atque Eligendo”(literally, by having mercy, by choosing him).
Is Conclave worth seeing in theaters?
While I can’t say Conclave is my favorite film of the year, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone intrigued by its premise and trailers. The performances and intensity live up to what they suggest, and I certainly think it will receive some buzz come award season. It’s not quite as strong as All Quiet on the Western Front, but if you enjoyed the 2022 war film, Conclave is directed by the same filmmaker.
InConclave (2024), the fictional narrative underscores howthe name selection can function as a strategic announcement of a new vision. As cardinals gather to elect a new leader, each cardinal has selected a name they would use if elected as Pope. This not only reflects the individual’s personal beliefs but also serves as an olive branch or a banner for change, resonating with faithful Catholics worldwide. This choice of a name is carefully observed, and the symbolism speaks volumes about the direction the new pope intends to take.
Conclave’sCardinal Benitez is an intersex individual, and he uses his title Pope Innocentius in a multi-faceted way. He uses his title to show that not only does he want to strive for innocence, but that he is innocent, as he is the way God made him to be. It is a brilliant use of the name, conveying his purpose as the Pope as well as his nature as a person.
InConclave, like in real life, Pope Innocentius’s symbolic act takes on cinematic importance. He uses his title to convey who he is as a person, like popes do in real life, as well as convey the message that he wants to usher in as the new Pope of the Catholic Church. Ultimately, the Pope’s name highlights the enormous pressure and expectations he faces as he commits to leading the world’s Catholics.
