Overview

• The conclave of 133 cardinals is set to begin on Wednesday in Rome, where a new pope will be elected and his papal name announced.
• The chosen name will reflect the new pontiff's priorities, with options like Francis II signaling continuity with Pope Francis's focus on the marginalized and environmental stewardship.
• Historical naming traditions, dating back to the 6th century, often emphasize continuity with past church figures or signal reformist or traditionalist agendas.
• Potential names such as John, Paul, or Pius carry distinct connotations, from Vatican II reforms to conservative doctrinal stances.
• Experts suggest a novel name could indicate a personalized vision for the church, breaking from alignment with previous papacies.