Why Popes Change Their Names.
It is a fact generally known that monks and nuns on assuming their vows, and popes on ascending the pontifical throne, usually change their names. The reason of this change in the case of the popes is a superstitious belief that unless this is done the new pontiff will not live long. The custom has prevailed since it was inaugurated in 956 by Octavian Conti, who assumed the name and title of John XII. Julius Medici would have made a breach had he been permitted, but his friends prevailed upon him to take the name of Clement, he being the seventh pope to take that name. Thirty-two years later, in 1555, Marcellus Servius was elected, and insisted upon retaining his own name. As Marcellus II., therefore, he ascended the throne, on the 9th day of April. He was a young man, and in robust health, and yet he lived but twenty-one days after his elevation. Since that time no pope has ventured to offend against the tradition. It is a little singular that, while the name of John has been a favorite one, none of the twenty-one popes have chosen it since the death of John XXII., in 1416. The first pope bearing the name of Pius took the position in 142 (?), and the name did not reappear after his death till 1458.—Sel.